Speaking last night on Channel Seven's Talking Footy, Malthouse made it clear that he was hopeful Gibbs would stay, but that it was vital the number one draft pick of 2006 allow himself to focus on performing for the Blues in 2014.

"I have never seen any player that hasn't made a decision playing good football," Malthouse said.

Gibbs, 25, will be a restricted free agent at the end of the season, and is likely to attract major offers from both Adelaide clubs to lure the native South Australian back home.

Malthouse believed that Gibbs, who struggled to break the tag of Richmond's Brandon Ellis in Carlton's round two loss to the Tigers last week, ran the risk of his form tapering off throughout the year much like that of former teammate Eddie Betts last year before he landed as a free agent at Adelaide.

"I reckon if you're seen to let this affect you, and I reckon last year it was really getting hold of Eddie, and I think the players realised that it was getting hold of him," Malthouse said.

"They were backing him up, they were trying to get him to play good football, because at the end of the day he's still contracted until the end of the year."

"You want value for that year."

The Blues' coach said he had spoken with Gibbs about his whereabouts next season, but that ultimately the choice lay with the player.

"I have had that discussion with him. I'm pretty optimistic but I'm also a realist," Malthouse said.

"I get bitterly disappointed on players going, make no mistake of it.

"Losing Eddie Betts last year was the second time I've lost a player that I thought I really wanted him to stay and he left."

"It's a reflection of all of us in many respects, that's the way I feel about it."

Leading football analysts also weighed in on Gibbs' contract situation last night.

Gibbs' management, led by player agent Nigel Carmody, have requested the Blues' clarify their long-term plans before their client puts pen to paper

Reiterating comments made last weekend in Fairfax newspapers, former Essendon champion Matthew Lloyd encouraged Carlton not to overspend on Gibbs when speaking on Channel Nine's Footy Classified.

Former Hawthorn spearhead Jason Dunstall was sympathetic towards Gibbs and his situation.

“He’s a young man under pressure," Dunstall said on Fox Footy's On The Couch.

“Life can be tough sometimes to have these things played out in the media.”