Dolphins firebrand Tom Gilbert has made an emphatic return to pre-season training, impressing coaches and teammates alike with his fitness, vocal leadership, and determination. After missing the entire 2024 season due to a ruptured ACL, the 24-year-old showed no signs of rust, looking sharp and energized during the club’s first field session under new head coach Kristian Woolf.
Gilbert, widely considered one of the front-runners to take over the club’s captaincy following Jesse Bromwich’s retirement, was quick to show his leadership skills, calling the squad into a huddle and demanding high standards from the group. With veteran figures like Jeremy Marshall-King and Mark Nicholls present, the session set the tone for what promises to be a challenging but exciting pre-season as the Dolphins target a maiden finals berth in 2025.
The former Cowboys forward’s fitness came as no surprise to Woolf, who praised Gilbert’s commitment and work ethic. “I don’t expect anything less from him to be honest,” Woolf said. “It is impressive, but that is who he is as a bloke. Tom prides himself on being fit and having a really good work ethic and training tough. He has got himself through a really tough period and I am looking forward to getting him back.”
Despite his return, the question of who will replace Bromwich as captain remains open. Gilbert is a strong contender, but Woolf acknowledged that the decision would be made based on how players perform during the pre-season. “There are a number of guys who I think can do a really good job, and they will show me that and put their hands up over a really good pre-season,” Woolf said.
New assistant coach Rory Kostjasyn, making his first appearance with the club, was also impressed by Gilbert’s presence. “Physically he looks good and I am sure the medical staff are happy with how he is tracking,” Kostjasyn commented, highlighting the significance of Gilbert’s return as a key asset to the Dolphins’ 2025 campaign.
With Gilbert leading the charge and a renewed sense of optimism at the club, the Dolphins are looking poised for an exciting season ahead.
