Laidley told the media after Sunday's 54-point loss to Hawthorn that he had spent the first two days of last week with Gibson, who was in line to be dropped to the VFL after his poor start to the season.
However, the 25-year-old played against the Hawks and even though opponent Lance Franklin kicked four goals, he was one of the Roos' better performers in a disappointing afternoon.
Gibson, who was used as a midfielder at stages of the pre-season, said he spoke with Laidley about the pressure he was putting on himself to perform.
"I just thought in the pre-season games I hadn't been that flash and Dean was spot on – I'd been putrid the first two rounds," he said.
"We just spoke about maybe some triggers to try to release some of that pressure during the week and play with a clearer mind.
"[I need] to go into the game obviously still focused and look over the things to counter my opponent's game ... but not to go in with so many things.
"It was good. I just felt a little bit freer when I played."
Gibson said his position in the side wasn't discussed, but he had been prepared for a demotion given his efforts against Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs.
Another of the competition's premier forwards, Carlton's Brendan Fevola, kicked six goals on Gibson in round one of the NAB Cup.
"We just spoke about narrowing my mind," he said. "I was going to take that in to whether I was playing at Werribee or whether I was playing at North."
Rookie-listed in 2004, Gibson has played just 46 games but believes he needs to lose the inconsistency that can frustrate players of similar experience.
"I'm 25 now so I might have played less than 50 games but I am mature," he said. "I'm not a kid anymore. I can't fluctuate. I can't be playing one bad game and one good game.
"I've got to consistently perform in that core group and I just thought I wasn't doing that. [Dean] had every right to drop me because I wasn't bringing my part to the team."
The clash with Coleman Medallist Franklin provided an ideal challenge for Gibson to find form and Laidley praised his player's character after the game.
"It was good to put that (the week) behind me but at the same time it was disappointing – the outcome from the weekend," Gibson said.
"It's the fourth time now [that I've played on Franklin] and as a defender you always want to play on the best.
"I hope he enjoys the contests as much as I do."
