Michael Hibberd

{{Infobox AFL biography

| name = Michael Hibberd

| image = Michael Hibberd 2018.7.jpg

| caption = Hibberd playing for Melbourne in April 2018

| fullname = Michael George Hibberd

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1990|1|3}}

| birth_place =

| death_date =

| death_place =

| originalteam = {{VFL Fra}} (VFL)

| draftpick = No. 4, 2011 pre-season draft

| height = 187 cm

| weight = 94 kg

| position = Defender

| currentclub = {{AFL Mel}}

| guernsey = 14

| years1 = 2011–2016

| club1 = {{AFL Ess}}

| games_goals1 = {{0}}84 (11)

| years2 = 2017–2023

| club2 = {{AFL Mel}}

| games_goals2 = 113 {{0}}(3)

| games_goalstotal = 197 (14)

| statsend = 2023

| nationalyears1 = 2017

| nationalteam1 = Australia

| nationalgames_goals1 = 1 (0)

| repstatsend = 2017

| careerhighlights = * AFL premiership player: 2021

}}

Michael George Hibberd (born 3 January 1990) is a former professional Australian rules footballer who played for the Melbourne Football Club and Essendon Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). A defender, {{convert|1.87|m|ftin}} tall and weighing {{convert|94|kg}}, Hibberd plays primarily on the half-back flank. After spending the 2008 season with the Dandenong Stingrays in the TAC Cup, he missed out on selection in the 2008 AFL draft, which saw him spend two seasons in the Victorian Football League (VFL) with the Frankston Football Club. After winning Frankston's best and fairest and the Fothergill–Round Medal as the VFL's most promising young player in 2010, he was recruited by the Essendon Football Club with the fourth selection in the 2011 pre-season draft.

Hibberd made his AFL debut during the 2011 season and in the same year, he was forced to miss the second half of the year after a club-imposed suspension due to an assault charge. His next four years at the club saw him rewarded with the club rising star award and three top-ten finishes in the best and fairest count. After being suspended for the entire 2016 season due to his involvement in the Essendon supplements saga, he was traded to the Melbourne Football Club during the 2016 trade period. His first season with Melbourne saw him receive All-Australian honours and represent Australia in the International Rules Series.

Early life

Originally from the small town of Somerville on the Mornington Peninsula,{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/fork-in-the-road-lifts-hibberd-into-big-time-20110515-1eo9q.html|title=Fork in the road lifts Hibberd into big time|last=Hogan|first=Jesse|date=16 May 2011|work=The Age|access-date=28 June 2014}} Hibberd played with the Dandenong Stingrays in the TAC Cup in 2008, where he managed to play only half the season due to a groin injury.{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/bomber-slow-to-take-off-but-now-hes-flying-high-20130509-2jath.html|title=Bomber slow to take off but now he's flying high|last=Connolly|first=Rohan|date=10 May 2013|work=The Age|access-date=14 December 2016}} He finished fifth in the best and fairest count and was awarded the Dandenong Stingrays coaches award.{{cite news|url=http://websites.sportstg.com/club_info.cgi?c=1-3020-111722-0-0&sID=157502&&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=10692302|title=Gillies Named Stingrays Best|year=2008|work=TACcup.com.au|publisher=Fox Sports Pulse|access-date=14 December 2016}} After being overlooked in the 2008 AFL draft, he joined the Frankston Football Club in the Victorian Football League (VFL). His first year at Frankston saw him finish fifth in the best and fairest and claim the best first year player award. In his second year at the club, his season was rewarded with the senior best and fairest award{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=michael+hibberd&pb=all_ffx&dt=enterRange&dr=1month&sd=01%2F01%2F2009&ed=31%2F12%2F2010&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=200&rm=200&sp=adv&clsPage=1&docID=AGE101130BS7013EHDED|title=VFL hopefuls look to figure in rookie draft|last=Diamond|first=Brent|date=30 November 2010|work=The Age|access-date=14 December 2016}} and the Fothergill–Round Medal as the VFL's most promising young player.{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/afl/localfooty/frankstons-hibbard-vfls-most-promising/story-fn53khop-1225908921862|title=Hibberd VFL's most promising|last=Amy|first=Paul|date=23 August 2010|work=Leader|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=4 June 2012}}

AFL career

=2011–2012: Early career=

Hibberd was drafted by the Essendon Football Club with their only selection and fourth overall in the 2011 pre-season draft.{{cite news|url=http://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/2010-12-07/bombers-take-hibberd-in-preseason-draft|title=Bombers take Hibberd in pre-season draft|date=7 December 2010|work=EssendonFC.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=26 August 2015}} He made his AFL debut in the 139-point win against {{AFL GC}} at Etihad Stadium in round six.{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=michael+hibberd&pb=all_ffx&dt=enterRange&dr=1month&sd=01%2F01%2F2011&ed=31%2F12%2F2011&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=200&rm=200&sp=adv&clsPage=1&docID=SAG1105018J7M5AUE50P|title=Ready to face Bombers|author=Australian Associated Press|date=1 May 2011|work=The Age|access-date=14 December 2016}} He was omitted the next week for the match against {{AFL WC}}, before returning in round eight in the thirty-six point win against {{AFL BL2}} at the Gabba, where he recorded twenty-two disposals and was praised by then-Essendon coach, James Hird, in particular for his courage around the ball. Playing the next seven matches, he missed the round seventeen match against {{AFL Ade}} at AAMI Stadium due to a hamstring injury.{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=michael+hibberd&pb=all_ffx&dt=enterRange&dr=1month&sd=01%2F01%2F2011&ed=31%2F12%2F2011&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=200&rm=200&sp=adv&clsPage=1&docID=NCH110715PN6KQ2IM313|title=AFL peview season 2011, round 17|last=Sproule|first=Grant|date=15 July 2011|work=The Age|access-date=14 December 2016}}{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=michael+hibberd&pb=all_ffx&dt=enterRange&dr=1month&sd=01%2F01%2F2011&ed=31%2F12%2F2011&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=200&rm=200&sp=adv&clsPage=1&docID=AGE110803VV415614UL7|title=GWS may trade rights to rookies|last=Quayle|first=Emma|date=3 August 2011|work=The Age|access-date=14 December 2016}}

After playing the first five matches for the 2012 season, he suffered a hamstring injury during the first quarter of the Anzac Day clash against {{AFL Col}} in round five, which forced him to miss six weeks of football.{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/michael-hibberd-adds-to-essendon-injury-crisis/news-story/7762f16c9724c74aa943740f1a77729a|title=Michael Hibberd adds to Essendon injury crisis|last=McFarlane|first=Glenn|date=25 April 2012|work=Herald Sun|access-date=14 December 2016}} He made his return from injury through the Victorian Football League (VFL), playing for Essendon's affiliate team, {{VFL Ben}}.{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/essendon-defender-michael-hibberd-to-return-from-injury-for-bendigo/news-story/ffde15501c11d5b92f3fe3a4ca5add7b|title=Essendon defender Michael Hibberd to return from injury for Bendigo|date=8 June 2012|work=News.com.au|access-date=14 December 2016}} After playing two matches in the VFL,{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=michael+hibberd&pb=all_ffx&dt=enterRange&dr=1month&sd=01%2F01%2F2012&ed=31%2F12%2F2012&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=200&rm=200&sp=adv&clsPage=1&docID=SAG120617OK6GR69M455|title=Bombers' rising options|last=Diamond|first=Brent|date=17 June 2012|work=The Age|access-date=14 December 2016}} he returned to the AFL side for the twenty-four point win against {{AFL Fre}} at Patersons Stadium in round thirteen.{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=michael+hibberd&pb=all_ffx&dt=enterRange&dr=1month&sd=01%2F01%2F2012&ed=31%2F12%2F2012&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=200&rm=200&sp=adv&clsPage=1&docID=AGE1206228C673770BMU|title=Bombers axe three|last=Quayle|first=Emma|date=22 June 2012|work=The Age|access-date=14 December 2016}} He played the next three matches before injuring his quad in the fifty point win against {{AFL PA}} at AAMI Stadium in round sixteen.{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=michael+hibberd&pb=all_ffx&dt=enterRange&dr=1month&sd=01%2F01%2F2012&ed=31%2F12%2F2012&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=200&rm=200&sp=adv&clsPage=1&docID=SAG120715H56UI48MN6Q|title=Hird unfazed by injuries|last=Porter|first=Ashley|date=15 July 2012|work=The Age|access-date=14 December 2016}} He missed three weeks due to the injury and returned to the side for the twenty-four point loss against {{AFL NM}} at Etihad Stadium in round twenty.{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=michael+hibberd&pb=all_ffx&dt=enterRange&dr=1month&sd=01%2F01%2F2012&ed=31%2F12%2F2012&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=200&rm=200&sp=adv&clsPage=1&docID=AGE120810H768C7B69JD|title=Kangaroos welcome finals-like challenge|last=Hogan|first=Jesse|date=10 August 2012|work=The Age|access-date=14 December 2016}} He played the remainder of the season, managing thirteen matches for the year and was rewarded with the club rising star award as the best young player.{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=michael+hibberd&pb=all_ffx&dt=enterRange&dr=1month&sd=01%2F01%2F2012&ed=31%2F12%2F2012&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=200&rm=200&sp=adv&clsPage=1&docID=AGE121004DS4JM7JVFRA|title=Watson top Bomber again|last=Quayle|first=Emma|date=4 October 2012|work=The Age|access-date=14 December 2016}} At the end of the year he changed guernsey numbers from 43 to 1.{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/hibberd-takes-on-a-proud-number-20121203-2ar33.html|title=Hibberd takes on a proud number|last=Quayle|first=Emma|date=4 December 2012|work=The Age|access-date=14 December 2016}}

=2013–2015: Emergence as a half-back flanker=

The 2013 season saw Hibberd play every match of the year for the first time in his career. His performances during the season was described by The Age journalist, Rohan Connolly, as "the best football of his career"{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=michael+hibberd&pb=all_ffx&dt=enterRange&dr=1month&sd=01%2F01%2F2013&ed=31%2F12%2F2013&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=200&rm=200&sp=adv&clsPage=1&docID=AGE130509GO7FA58GRP3|title=Morale strong: Bomber|last=Connolly|first=Rohan|date=9 May 2013|work=The Age|access-date=14 December 2016}} and he was named in Connolly's mid-season All-Australian team.{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=michael+hibberd&pb=all_ffx&dt=enterRange&dr=1month&sd=01%2F01%2F2013&ed=31%2F12%2F2013&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=200&rm=200&sp=adv&clsPage=1&docID=AGE1306141H7LA7M5L8L|title=All-star Swans lead the way|last=Connolly|first=Rohan|date=14 June 2013|work=The Age|access-date=14 December 2016}} His running off of half-back saw him compared to six time All-Australian, Corey Enright, by Rohan Connolly.{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=michael+hibberd&pb=all_ffx&dt=enterRange&dr=1month&sd=01%2F01%2F2013&ed=31%2F12%2F2013&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=200&rm=200&sp=adv&clsPage=1&docID=AGE130506M76L26EIK52|title=Bombers play copycats|last=Connolly|first=Rohan|date=6 May 2013|work=The Age|access-date=14 December 2016}} After the announcement of the forty man squad for the 2013 All-Australian team, he was considered unlucky to miss out on selection by AFL Media journalist, Nick Bowen,{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-09-03/all-australian-squad-named|title=No Tigers in All Australian squad of 40|last=Bowen|first=Nick|date=3 September 2013|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=14 December 2016}} and The Age journalist and former player, Matthew Lloyd.{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=michael+hibberd&pb=all_ffx&dt=enterRange&dr=1month&sd=01%2F01%2F2013&ed=31%2F12%2F2013&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=200&rm=200&sp=adv&clsPage=1&docID=SHD130915S44AI7CIKMN|title=Meet the Abletts and Judds of tomorrow|last=Lloyd|first=Matthew|date=15 September 2013|work=The Age|access-date=14 December 2016}} His improved season saw him finish fourth in the clubs best and fairest count.{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/essendon-utility-brendon-goddard-snares-maiden-club-championship/story-fni5f6kv-1226731901261|title=Essendon utility Brendon Goddard snares best-and-fairest, then talks premierships|last=Sewell|first=Eliza|date=2 October 2013|work=Herald Sun|access-date=14 December 2016}}

Despite a hamstring injury during the 2014 NAB Challenge,{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=michael+hibberd&pb=all_ffx&dt=enterRange&dr=1month&sd=01%2F01%2F2014&ed=31%2F12%2F2014&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=200&rm=200&sp=adv&clsPage=1&docID=AGE140303391HB5NTAT1|title=How your club fared in the NAB Challenge|last=Murnane|first=Matt|date=3 March 2014|work=The Age|access-date=14 December 2016}} Hibberd played the first fourteen matches of the year, before he was forced to miss the round sixteen match against Port Adelaide at the Adelaide Oval due to an ankle injury.{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=michael+hibberd&pb=all_ffx&dt=enterRange&dr=1month&sd=01%2F01%2F2014&ed=31%2F12%2F2014&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=200&rm=200&sp=adv&clsPage=1&docID=AGE140705KU2962F2LLK|title=Chapman challenged to lift game|last=Buckle|first=Greg|date=5 July 2014|work=The Age|access-date=14 December 2016}} He returned to the side two weeks later for the seven point win against the {{AFL WB}} at Etihad Stadium in round eighteen,{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=michael+hibberd&pb=all_ffx&dt=enterRange&dr=1month&sd=01%2F01%2F2014&ed=31%2F12%2F2014&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=200&rm=200&sp=adv&clsPage=1&docID=AGE140718873DA3EMLCP|title=Split round gives outsiders their chance|last=James|first=Matthew|date=18 July 2014|work=The Age|access-date=14 December 2016}} before succumbing to a hamstring injury the next week and missed two weeks.{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=michael+hibberd&pb=all_ffx&dt=enterRange&dr=1month&sd=01%2F01%2F2014&ed=31%2F12%2F2014&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=200&rm=200&sp=adv&clsPage=1&docID=AGE140730IM2GA5BK6R9|title=Injury list|date=30 July 2014|work=The Age|access-date=14 December 2016}} He returned from injury in the three point win against {{AFL WC}} at Etihad Stadium in round twenty-one,{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=michael+hibberd&pb=all_ffx&dt=enterRange&dr=1month&sd=01%2F01%2F2014&ed=31%2F12%2F2014&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=200&rm=200&sp=adv&clsPage=1&docID=AGE140812O673IFBJMH0|title=Heat just got hotter|last=Connolly|first=Rohan|date=12 August 2014|work=The Age|access-date=14 December 2016}} where he was named the best player for Essendon by The Age{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=michael+hibberd&pb=all_ffx&dt=enterRange&dr=1month&sd=01%2F01%2F2014&ed=31%2F12%2F2014&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=200&rm=200&sp=adv&clsPage=1&docID=SAG140817PO7R34PBV7C|title=Bombers ride wave to victory|last=Connolly|first=Rohan|date=17 August 2014|work=The Age|access-date=14 December 2016}} and AFL Media.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-08-16/dons-outlast-eagles-in-thriller|title=Dons boost finals hopes with thrilling win over Eagles|date=16 August 2014|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=14 December 2016}} He played the remainder of the season, including his first final in the twelve point loss against {{AFL NM}} at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the second elimination final.{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/2014-afl-finals-teams-week-one-20140904-10clvx.html|title=2014 AFL finals teams: week one|date=4 September 2014|work=The Age|access-date=14 December 2016}} His form in the first half of the year before his injuries was praised within the industry, with Herald Sun journalist, Sam Landsberger, claiming he was in All-Australian form{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/essendon/essendon-resigns-heath-hocking-and-michael-hibberd-both-believe-premiership-push-will-come/news-story/c5d0457d8476148586b30b1d4f8db9c8|title=Essendon re-signs Heath Hocking and Michael Hibberd, both believe premiership push will come|last=Landsberger|first=Sam|date=24 June 2014|work=Herald Sun|access-date=14 December 2016}} and he signed a three-year contract with the club, tying him to the club until the end of the 2017 season.{{cite news|url=http://www.triplem.com.au/melbourne/sport/afl/news/2014/6/michael-hibberd-and-heath-hocking-both-sign-new-contracts-with-essendon-bombers/|title=Hibberd, Hocking Re-Sign With Dons|date=25 June 2014|work=Triple M|access-date=14 December 2016}} He played nineteen matches for the season and finished fourth in the best and fairest count for the second consecutive season.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-10-01/dominant-dons-maiden-medal|title=Heppell's rise continues with dominant Essendon best and fairest victory|last=Phelan|first=Jennifer|date=1 October 2014|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=14 December 2016}}

Hibberd played every match for the 2015 season apart from the final round match against Collingwood due to a knee injury.{{cite news|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-teams-round-23-2015-fremantle-north-melbourne-set-to-rest-players/news-story/326821279fbe897b41b5f7a73df00b13|title=AFL Teams Round 23, 2015: Fremantle make 11 changes, North Melbourne nine, Trent Cotchin returns|date=3 September 2015|work=Fox Sports (Australia)|access-date=14 December 2016}} After strong seasons in 2013 and 2014, he had a dip in form after spending more time in the midfield.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-07-17/hibberd-eyes-form-turnaround-as-dons-plug-midfield-gaps|title=Hibberd eyes form turnaround as Dons plug midfield gaps|last=Twomey|first=Callum|date=17 July 2015|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=14 December 2016}} Despite a drop in form, he managed a top-ten finish in the best and fairest, placing eighth{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/essendon/cale-hooker-awarded-first-crichton-medal-as-essendons-best-and-fairest/news-story/e8377126ecfcb1119eb1b997f55a200e|title=Cale Hooker awarded first Crichton Medal as Essendon's best and fairest|last=Baker|first=Grant|date=16 September 2015|work=Herald Sun|access-date=14 December 2016}} and he was named in Essendon's best players six times during the season by AFL Media.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2015/3/carl-v-ess|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417001504/http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2015/3/carl-v-ess|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 April 2015|title=Dons scrape past Blues, Cooney may be hamstrung for Anzac Day|last=King|first=Travis|date=18 April 2015|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=14 December 2016}}{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2015/8/ess-v-bl|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417100308/http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2015/8/ess-v-bl|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 April 2015|title=Big second half enough for Bombers|last=Schmook|first=Nathan|date=24 May 2015|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=14 December 2016}}{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2015/9/rich-v-ess|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417100416/http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2015/9/rich-v-ess|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 April 2015|title=Dons' dream ends badly: Tigers spoil Fletch's big night|last=King|first=Travis|date=30 May 2015|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=14 December 2016}}{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2015/11/wce-v-ess|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417091526/http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2015/11/wce-v-ess|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 April 2015|title=Eagles' forward firepower blows away Dons|last=Malcolm|first=Alex|date=13 June 2015|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=14 December 2016}}{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2015/18/ess-v-wb|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417091944/http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2015/18/ess-v-wb|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 April 2015|title=It's a Dog day afternoon as Dons' demise continues|last=Schmook|first=Nathan|date=2 August 2015|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=14 December 2016}}{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2015/19/gws-v-ess|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417092733/http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2015/19/gws-v-ess|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 April 2015|title=Giants run away from Bombers to stay in finals race|last=Chong|first=Jordan|date=9 August 2015|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=14 December 2016}}

=2016–present: Suspension and move to Melbourne=

Hibberd, along with 33 other Essendon players, was found guilty of using a banned performance-enhancing substance, thymosin beta-4, as part of Essendon's sports supplements program during the 2012 season. He and his teammates were initially found not guilty in March 2015 by the AFL Anti-Doping Tribunal,{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-03-31/tribunal-hands-down-verdict|title=Thirty-four present and former Bombers cleared of all drug charges|last=Twomey|first=Callum|date=31 March 2015|work=AFL.com.au 2015|access-date=2 January 2017}} but a guilty verdict was returned in January 2016 after an appeal by the World Anti-Doping Agency. He was suspended for two years which, with backdating, ended in November 2016; as a result, he served approximately fourteen months of his suspension and missed the entire 2016 season.{{cite web|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-01-12/guilty-court-bans-the-essendon-34-for-2016|title=Guilty: court bans the Essendon 34 for 2016|last=King|first=Travis|date=12 January 2016|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=12 January 2016}} After speculation surrounding whether he would return to Essendon once his suspension was finished,{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-06-09/suspended-dons-to-wait-on-decision-to-return|title=Will they be back? Banned Dons mulling options|first=Twomey|last=Callum|date=9 June 2016|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=25 August 2016}} he confirmed in August that he wanted to be traded to another club for a "fresh start" despite being contracted to Essendon until the end of 2017{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-08-20/banned-bomber-michael-hibberd-to-leave-essendon|title=Banned Bomber Michael Hibberd to leave Essendon|first=Collins|last=Ben|date=20 August 2016|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=25 August 2016}} and he nominated {{AFL Mel}} as his preferred destination in September.{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/michael-hibberd-officially-requests-trade-to-melbourne-for-2017-season/news-story/a184bdae770ee36c09b27be8a7a62043|title=Michael Hibberd officially requests trade to Melbourne for 2017 season|date=20 September 2016|work=Herald Sun|access-date=20 September 2016}} He was officially traded to Melbourne in October.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-10-19/essendon-defender-michael-hibberd-traded-to-melbourne|title=Essendon defender Hibberd traded to Melbourne|last=Twomey|first=Callum|date=19 October 2016|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=19 October 2016}}

File:Michael Hibberd tackling Jack Macrae.jpg in round 13, 2017.]]

After experiencing patella tendinitis in his knee during 2016, Hibberd was eased back into pre-season training.{{cite news|url=http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2017-01-09/list-update-hibberd-hogan-and-hulett|title=List update: Hibberd, Hogan and Hulett|last=Burgan|first=Matt|date=9 January 2017|work=MelbourneFC.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=12 December 2017}} In addition to sustaining a hamstring injury which limited his training further and he was forced to miss the opening match of the 2017 JLT Community Series.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-02-22/hibberd-set-to-step-out-for-dees|title=Former Bomber set to step out for Demons|last=Guthrie|first=Ben|date=22 February 2017|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=12 December 2017}} He played his first match in Melbourne colours in Melbourne's second match of the JLT Community Series, which was a fifty-four point win against {{AFL Car}} at Casey Fields. A few days later, he suffered an achilles injury at training,{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/michael-hibberd-to-sit-out-afl-preseason-game-20170306-gus39m.html|title=Michael Hibberd to sit out AFL pre-season game|date=7 March 2017|work=The Age|access-date=12 December 2017}} which forced him to miss five weeks of football.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-03-22/new-demon-michael-hibberd-still-three-weeks-away|title=New Demon still three weeks away as Achilles issue lingers|last=Guthrie|first=Ben|date=22 March 2017|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=12 December 2017}} He returned to playing via the VFL with Melbourne's affiliate team, the {{VFL CasD}}, in the round one clash against {{VFL Wil}} at Burbank Oval, in which he recorded twenty-five disposals and was one of Casey's best players according to elite performance manager, Dave Misson.{{cite news|url=http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2017-04-19/hibberd-makes-strong-return|title=Hibberd makes strong return|last=Burgan|first=Matt|date=9 April 2017|work=MelbourneFC.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=12 December 2017}} He spent just the one week in the VFL before making his debut for Melbourne in the Anzac Day eve match against {{AFL Ric}} at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in round five where he recorded twenty-seven disposals, eight rebound 50s, six marks and a goal.{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/melbourne/michael-hibberd-becomes-last-of-banned-bombers-to-return-to-afl-action/news-story/5d5ba2a3d3086b5c19952428b7a67c10|title=Michael Hibberd becomes latest banned Bomber to return to AFL action|last=Gould|first=Russell|date=25 April 2017|work=Herald Sun|access-date=12 December 2017}} He was named Melbourne's best player by Herald Sun journalist, Sam Landsberger,{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/melbourne/michael-hibberd-was-hesitant-about-comeback-after-12month-drugs-ban/news-story/b284a61020f919ec10cc0d7c73337d8d|title=Michael Hibberd was hesitant about comeback after 12-month drugs ban|last=Landsberger|first=Sam|date=26 April 2017|work=Herald Sun|access-date=12 December 2017}} and was named in AFL Media's team of the week.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-04-26/team-of-the-week-r5-did-we-get-it-right|title=Team of the week, R5: Did we get it right?|last=Phelan|first=Jennifer|date=26 April 2017|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=12 December 2017}}

He played every match for the remainder of the season to finish with eighteen games and averaged career-highs in disposals (27.4) and rebound 50s (6.8), the latter of which ranked second in the league; furthermore he averaged the highest metres gained per match (545.7) in the league.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-09-03/hibberd-excited-by-potential-lever-swoop|title=Hibberd excited by potential Lever swoop|last=McGowan|first=Marc|date=3 September 2017|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=12 December 2017}} He was highly praised for his debut season with Melbourne with the Australian Associated Press' Michael Ramsey writing Hibberd was almost certainly Melbourne's most valuable addition.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-06-14/how-a-former-don-is-steering-the-dees-to-finals|title=How a former Don is steering the Dees to finals|last=Ramsey|first=Michael|date=14 June 2017|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=12 December 2017}} The Herald Sun's Rebecca Williams and AFL Media's Ben Guthrie furthered this notion by stating he had proven to be one of the top recruits in the league.{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/melbourne/melbourne-defender-michael-hibberd-is-making-the-most-of-his-new-chapter-at-the-demons/news-story/d5063122aa97852cd7f64147e2d077cb|title=Melbourne defender Michael Hibberd is making the most of his new chapter at the Demons|last=Williams|first=Rebecca|date=13 August 2017|work=Herald Sun|access-date=12 December 2017}}{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-07-12/forced-wait-has-paid-off-for-new-demon|title=Forced wait has paid off for new Demon|last=Guthrie|first=Ben|date=12 July 2017|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=12 December 2017}} In addition, The Age reporter, Anthony Colangelo, said Hibberd was one of "Melbourne's best and most important players in their charge up the ladder."{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/footy-mattered-to-me-more-than-i-thought-michael-hibberd-on-being-back-from-the-ban-20170622-gww7ac.html|title='Footy mattered to me more than I thought': Michael Hibberd on being back from the ban|last=Colangelo|first=Anthony|date=22 June 2017|work=The Age|access-date=12 December 2017}} His season was rewarded with his first All-Australian selection, where he was named in the back pocket,{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/more-news/alex-rance-named-allaustralian-captain-at-fullback-paddy-ryder-wins-ruck-battle/news-story/b1a147cea9171c4a70f5eb94fe40347a|title=Alex Rance named All-Australian captain at full-back, Paddy Ryder wins ruck battle|last=Wood|first=Lauren|date=30 August 2017|work=Herald Sun|access-date=12 December 2017}} he was one of three Melbourne nominees for the Leigh Matthews Trophy,{{cite news|url=http://www.aflplayers.com.au/article/saints-dogs-dees-eagles-reveal-mvp-nominees/|title=Saints, Dogs, Dees, Eagles reveal MVP nomiees|date=6 September 2017|work=AFL Players Association|access-date=12 December 2017}} and was named in AFL Media's team of the week a further three times after his debut for Melbourne.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-05-16/team-of-the-week-r8-did-we-get-it-right|title=Team of the week, R8: Did we get it right?|last1=Guthrie|first1=Ben|last2=Stephens|first2=Romy|date=16 May 2017|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=12 December 2017}}{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-06-20/team-of-the-week-r13-did-we-get-it-right|title=Team of the week, R13: Did we get it right?|last1=Phelan|first1=Jennifer|last2=Stephens|first2=Romy|date=20 June 2017|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=12 December 2017}}{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-07-25/team-of-the-week-r18-did-we-get-it-right|title=Team of the week, R18: Did we get it right?|last=Navaratnam|first=Dinny|date=25 July 2017|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=12 December 2017}} Despite being one of the favourites to win the best and fairest at Melbourne,{{cite news|url=http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2017-10-09/who-will-win-this-years-bluey|title=Who will win this year's 'Bluey'?|last=Burgan|first=Matt|date=9 October 2017|work=MelbourneFC.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=12 December 2017}} he ultimately finished sixth in the award.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-10-09/secondyear-demon-oliver-wins-bf-by-184-votes|title=Second-year Demon wins B&F by 184 votes|last=Guthrie|first=Ben|date=9 October 2017|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=12 December 2017}} He received international honours at the end of the season when he represented Australia in the International Rules Series against Ireland in November.{{cite news|url=http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2017-10-12/hibberd-named-in-international-rules-squad|title=Hibberd named in International Rules squad|last=McGowan|first=Marc|date=12 October 2017|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=12 December 2017}}

Assault charge

In August 2011, Hibbered was charged with assault after he punched and knocked a man out in Mornington on 31 July.{{cite news|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/essendon-confirm-youngster-michael-hibberd-has-been-charged-with-assault-after-incident-on-july-31/news-story/9c0a1b2983f7fe5367a0d85468df1762|title=Essendon confirm youngster Michael Hibberd has been charged with assault after incident on July 31|date=12 August 2011|work=Fox Sports (Australia)|access-date=14 December 2016}} He pleaded guilty to the charges in September{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/rookie-hibberd-fined-over-assault-20110914-1k8q5.html|title=Rookie Hibberd fined over assault|last=Robin|first=Samantha|date=14 September 2011|work=The Age|access-date=14 December 2016}} and escaped conviction, but received a $2500 fine.{{Cite news |date=2011-09-14 |title=Hibberd escapes assault conviction |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-09-14/hibberd-escapes-assault-conviction/2898792 |access-date=2023-10-12}}

Statistics

Updated to the end of round 13, 2023.{{cite web|url=http://afltables.com/afl/stats/players/M/Michael_Hibberd.html|title=Michael Hibberd|publisher=AFL Tables|access-date=8 September 2016}}

| 2011 || {{AFL Ess}} || 43

| 9 || 1 || 1 || 101 || 71 || 172 || 47 || 13 || 0.1 || 0.1 || 11.2 || 7.9 || 19.1 || 5.2 || 1.4 || 0

| 2012 || {{AFL Ess}} || 43

| 13 || 0 || 1 || 153 || 79 || 232 || 65 || 16 || 0.0 || 0.1 || 11.8 || 6.1 || 17.8 || 5.0 || 1.2 || 0

| 2013 || {{AFL Ess}} || 1

| 22 || 5 || 3 || 334 || 186 || 520 || 135 || 33 || 0.2 || 0.1 || 15.2 || 8.5 || 23.6 || 6.1 || 1.5 || 8

| 2014 || {{AFL Ess}} || 1

| 19 || 2 || 1 || 286 || 179 || 465 || 121 || 29 || 0.1 || 0.1 || 15.1 || 9.4 || 24.5 || 6.4 || 1.5 || 3

| 2015 || {{AFL Ess}} || 1

| 21 || 3 || 5 || 262 || 204 || 466 || 113 || 31 || 0.1 || 0.2 || 12.5 || 9.7 || 22.2 || 5.4 || 1.5 || 2

| 2016{{efn|Hibberd was unavailable to be selected for the entire 2016 season due to being one of the 34 players suspended as part of the Essendon Football Club supplements saga.}} || {{AFL Ess}} || 1

| 0 || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || —

| 2017 || {{AFL Mel}} || 14

| 18 || 1 || 1 || 305 || 188 || 493 || 97 || 23 || 0.1 || 0.1 || 17.0 || 10.4 || 27.4 || 5.4 || 1.3 || 7

| 2018 || {{AFL Mel}} || 14

| 21 || 1 || 1 || 244 || 153 || 397 || 83 || 35 || 0.0 || 0.0 || 11.6 || 7.3 || 18.9 || 4.0 || 1.7 || 1

| 2019 || {{AFL Mel}} || 14

| 19 || 0 || 2 || 197 || 127 || 324 || 75 || 29 || 0.0 || 0.1 || 10.4 || 6.7 || 17.1 || 4.0 || 1.5 || 0

| 2020{{efn|The 2020 season was played with 17 home-and-away matches per team (down from 22) and 16-minute quarters with time on (down from 20-minute quarters with time on) due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.}} || {{AFL Mel}} || 14

| 14 || 1 || 0 || 135 || 79 || 214 || 62 || 14 || 0.1 || 0.0 || 9.6 || 5.6 || 15.3 || 4.4 || 1.0 || 0

| scope=row bgcolor=F0E68C | 2021^# || {{AFL Mel}}

|| 14 || 17 || 0 || 0 || 127 || 100 || 227 || 58 || 35 || 0.0 || 0.0 || 7.5 || 5.9 || 13.4 || 3.4 || 2.1 || 0

| 2022 || {{AFL Mel}} || 14

| 12 || 0 || 0 || 105 || 62 || 167 || 52 || 21 || 0.0 || 0.0 || 8.8 || 5.2 || 13.9 || 4.3 || 1.8 || 0

| 2023{{efn|2023 statistics include two games in which Hibberd was substituted out of the game (round 4 & 7).}} || {{AFL Mel}} || 14

| 8 || 0 || 0 || 64 || 36 || 100 || 28 || 6 || 0.0 || 0.0 || 8.0 || 4.5 || 12.5 || 3.5 || 0.8 ||

|- class=sortbottom

! colspan=3 | Career

! 193 !! 14 !! 15 !! 2313 !! 1464 !! 3777 !! 936 !! 285 !! 0.1 !! 0.1 !! 12.0 !! 7.6 !! 19.6 !! 4.8 !! 1.5 !! 21

Notes