News

Gumbleton on track for full recovery

Friday, 18 November 2011
Staff writers for essendonfc.com.au
Page 1 of 1

Essendon is confident injury-plagued key forward Scott Gumbleton's hamstring problems are over after back surgery on Thursday.

Gumbleton, 23, feared his career might be over after suffering back spasms last week, but coach James Hird said the surgery had revealed the reason for his chronic soreness.

Hird said scar tissue from an old operation had trapped a nerve in Gumbleton's back.

"He had a previous back operation, I think it was two years ago ... there was a lot of scarring around there and a bit of a problem to another disc," Hird said.

"It's a bit frustrating for Scotty, but if we had let it go and we had of gone like last year he would have had all those hamstring worries so in some ways it's a real positive.

"He's gone in, found out what the problem is and should hopefully be ready for the start of next year.

"In some ways it's a big positive he had that back spasm last week as they've gone in to look at what's wrong.

"The surgeon was absolutely rapt with the way the surgery went. Scott should be back running around in six weeks.

"The surgeon has guaranteed him he'll have none of those hamstring issues next year,” Hird said.

Hird also ruled out selecting former Carlton and Brisbane Lions forward Brendan Fevola at next week's NAB AFL Draft.

"We've got Hurley, Hille, Ryder, Gumbleton, Carlisle, Crameri ... if there's one strength we have got it's key forwards," Hird said.

"We think we've got that position covered.

"If Brendan was a midfielder we might look at him."

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PLAYER PROFILE: Scott Gumbleton

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Let's hope that this is truly the end to his hammy problems. It would be great to see him finally be allowed to play to his strengths and not have his body failing him.

- Paul Hobbs (posted 18/11/2011 10:06:51 AM)

$2.70 favorite Essendon, come to us Fev! I'm putting that bet!

- al Catraz (posted 18/11/2011 10:09:24 AM)

Kind to Brendan to phrase it this way, and by season end we'll have added Ariel to our key forwards. In the words of our 2012 midfielder: "Long customs are not easily broken and how shall we do that for others, which we are seldom able to achieve for ourselves?"

- Thomas Faunce (posted 18/11/2011 10:10:57 AM)

Nothing is guaranteed in life!!! I can't believe this guys luck, in his case lack of luck. Just got to get him on the park, otherwise i think it might be game over for gumby. I think Hamstring injuries are more of a worry than knee injuries these days. Please don't draft anyone that has done a hamstring before, not worth the risk.

- Gerard Smith (posted 18/11/2011 10:12:17 AM)

Feel so sorry for Gumbleton and his injuries,and hope now this is the end of his injuries and he can get on with his football.Can we know also stop the talk regarding,Fev.Once and for all,he was never going to be a fit in our team.Hird has finally come out and sais he is a no go.Yipppeeee.Diane

- Diane Trask (posted 18/11/2011 10:19:32 AM)

Everything is looking good, and although I think Fevola is a great forward, we don't need to take a chance on outside occurrences, given the people we already have, who have done and will do a great job in the future.

- Joan Hill (posted 18/11/2011 10:20:32 AM)

Hang in there Scotty, great to hear that the issues have been isolated and fixed. Can't wait to see the big marks and the big motor in operation across half forward. Still think you'll be a superstar!

- Graham Flynn (posted 18/11/2011 10:28:44 AM)

The G Man - great news.....

- Victor Tallis (posted 18/11/2011 11:25:31 AM)

Speaking of midfielders (and key forwards) I reckon Cram could make a gun midfielder with his strength and pace. There were occasions this year when he was Judd-like in his ability to rip the footy away from opponents and break free. I might raise this with Jimmy in our weekly phone catch-up.

- Luke Smith (posted 18/11/2011 11:26:02 AM)

They must see the goods in this lad or else they wouldn't hold onto him. Whats wth the TAB predicting Fev to Essendon, surely not?

- Harry Calaghan (posted 18/11/2011 11:26:08 AM)

I have heard more than enough about Fev. We are looking to the future and as James said, we have enough young guns to show us what they are made of.....

- Victor Tallis (posted 18/11/2011 11:36:46 AM)

If Hirdy says we are not interested in Fev then history tells we will unfortunately pick him up

- Mark McLachlan (posted 18/11/2011 11:48:39 AM)

If it was scar tissue from previous operations causing all his hammy/back problems, then what caused the hammy problems before any surgery, and a huge call from the surgeon...

- Mark McLachlan (posted 18/11/2011 11:51:31 AM)

Mark - his issues prior to the surger were mostly back issues, which directly cause the hamstring issues. they solved the back problem, now they have solved the problem causing these new hamstrings. I dont think a surgeon would make that call unless he was supremely confident. I just hope he doesn't do his knee or break a leg now instead. Unluckiest player ever.

- Andrew Couch (posted 18/11/2011 12:31:54 PM)

Poor old Gumby, it must feel like ground-hog day to him. I hope his injury issue's have been put to bed for good! Also, Forget Fev, he's done at this level!!

- Chris Litchfield (posted 18/11/2011 12:35:35 PM)

Good luck Gumby. Will be a year you need to show us something. On Fev - I will not renew my membership or go to 1 game if that clown is at Essendon. Good luck getting 40,000 if he is!

- Brad Scarr (posted 18/11/2011 12:39:23 PM)

wonderful news for Scott now we will get to see just how good he really is, I predict by the years end he will be in top 3 CHF's playing.

- steve barker (posted 18/11/2011 12:44:38 PM)

al Catraz...a fool and his money are soon parted! Sheedy once famously said Collingwood had more nuffy fans than us, but judging by the "get fev" brigade on this forum he might have been wrong about that...ps-good luck gumby

- Brett Lerg (posted 18/11/2011 12:54:01 PM)

Essendon,could go for Tom Sheridan. Herald Sun. Essendon supporter,the versatile ball winner has elite endurance,aerobic capacity is compared to Cadel Evans.185cm Calder Cannon midfielder.He was ranked top 3 in the endurance test at draft camp. His vision and ability to pick his way through tight spaces,helps open up the game for team mates. Sheridan averaged 25 possessions,including 9.5 contested in the TAC cup,shifting from an outside midfield role to an onballer position.They say he plays like Barlow. Wow,sounds pretty good to me.Diane

- Diane Trask (posted 18/11/2011 12:56:52 PM)

Let's all hope that's the end of it for him and he comes out and blitzes. I'm tired of the Selwood comparisons. Who knows, Gumby could go on to play 300 games with a couple of flags under his belt.

- Kevin Jackson (posted 18/11/2011 12:58:40 PM)

Winders was really in a mess,and destined never to play again... Hirdy's future looked gloomy.. twice.. Another collective holding our breath,crossing everything once again,and hoping that Scotty comes up trumps and plays finally in 2012..well enough for senior opportunities.. Fair dinkum,I won't be the only one crying tears of joy if Scotty can achieve great SUCCESS playing for the Bombers..!! But I understand what Mark is saying,not many of the 9 lives left perhaps.. All the very best Scotty & The Bombers support crew sticking by him !! :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 18/11/2011 1:03:37 PM)

Gumby must keep walking under ladders all the time.Hope this is the last setback for the poor guy. It was encouraging to hear the positive side of the surgery from Hirdy though and the brave surgeon. Hope they both are right especially for Gumbys sake. All the very best Gumby.

- Alan De Menezes (posted 18/11/2011 1:21:45 PM)

Fingers crossed for you Scott that you are able to have an injury free season. Look forward to seeing you on the forward line next year. Also, thank God Fevola does not play in the mid field.

- Annette Dwija (posted 18/11/2011 1:23:19 PM)

Fingers crossed this is the last fix ole mate will need to get himself up and firing for us proper. Really feel for the poor guy, he's shown in patches that he could be anything, he just needs a proper run at it!

- Duncan Eastey (posted 18/11/2011 1:36:09 PM)

Goodluck Scotty, time to repay and show everyone what you got. Best footy before being drafted at #2 was at Centre Half Back, lets hope the coaches recognise the huge benefits playing back with athletiscm and height factor. Fletch is moving on soon and great versatility with Hurls and the emerging supergun Carlisle. Our key position stocks are looking outstanding. This all equals = Draft hard at it, hard running midfieldersm, enough said. GO GUMBY GO

- Brett Juka (posted 18/11/2011 1:40:31 PM)

Scar tissue that I wish you saw

- John Elwood (posted 18/11/2011 1:45:10 PM)

Andrew, I hope you are right mate, but we have heard all this now for 5 years, Carlton were more than desperate for talls & the footy world thought they would draft Gumby yet they went for a small which they had an abundance of, maybe they knew of Gumby's problems

- Mark McLachlan (posted 18/11/2011 2:27:28 PM)

Thomas Faunce you make no sense!

- Michael Hanna (posted 18/11/2011 2:45:05 PM)

Noel, I understand what Gumby is going thru, as a 16yo I was invited to train with the Clarence senior side but had been advised by the doctors to take 12 months off footy due to a common problem in mainly boys called Schumans disease due to the teen growth spurt, didn't listen to the doctors, kept playing ended up in hospital in a full body plaster cast for months. really feel for Gumby & hope he comes good even if he never plays footy again, too young to go thru so much

- Mark McLachlan (posted 18/11/2011 2:46:20 PM)

To all you Fev haters...GET OVER IT! His goal kicking tally for 2012 would probably double our whole forward line! Again Gumby way too many chances.... Unfortunately we have to suffer the problems of the previous/some current draft picks.

- Michael Hanna (posted 18/11/2011 2:49:56 PM)

Good on ya, SCOTTY......let's hope we can have u regularly in the side, without injuries, and reaching ur full potential. So sad, u have had such a rotten run of bad luck. GO BOMBERS!!!

- Nick Tomaras (posted 18/11/2011 3:16:27 PM)

Look forward to seeing u next year, Good luck Mate!

- Rolf Buchner (posted 18/11/2011 3:17:48 PM)

If Gumby's surgeon was absolutely rapt with the way the surgery went, then I am rapt about this good news for Scott, the team, and club as a whole.

- Gordon Moss snr (posted 18/11/2011 3:49:59 PM)

Glad that you don't want Fevola at our club Jim.

- Gordon Moss snr (posted 18/11/2011 3:53:40 PM)

Great news to hear a surgeon has guaranteed no hamstring problems Welcome back Scott

- Glenda Coulter (posted 18/11/2011 4:01:34 PM)

Reckon this debate about Fev is superfluous. As Hirdy said today, our forwards are our major strength, and if Fev was a midfielder we might consider him. The fact is he is not, rather he's a very good one trick pony who stands in the goal square, doesn't move up the ground to suit our game style. He's also 30 with a less than attractive track record off field. Good luck to him though, hope he gets an opportunity, but doubt that he will.

- Graham Flynn (posted 18/11/2011 4:02:53 PM)

Wonder if all the people who thought Hirdy only said the club wanted to recruit a ruckman was to put the other clubs off the players he really wanted think the same when he said we don't want Fev.. hmmmmmm,

- Mark McLachlan (posted 18/11/2011 4:37:30 PM)

Gumby has had 5 years lets hope he can stay fit i don't care what doctors say time will tell if he can stay fit also nobody knows if he can be a star in the afl as he has not done anything great so far lets hope he can if not we have wasted 6 years which we can ill afford

- Norman Barr (posted 18/11/2011 5:07:44 PM)

Gumby must be so relieved mentally also. Him being an athlete, it must have been so stressful doing all the things that were asked of him but still having problems. Now knowing what the problem was must be a tremendous weight off his mind. Looking forward to seeing him on the paddock.

- Kris Bayne (posted 18/11/2011 5:40:55 PM)

Said it before, I'll say it again. Draft Fev. If he earns a spot in the seniors, great. If he finishes his career in the reserves, no worries. That's better for us than him ending up at Hawthorn or Collingwood and dominating against us!

- Josh Byrne (posted 18/11/2011 5:57:40 PM)

And I still don't understand all this talk that we need mids? Watson, Hocking, Zaharakis, Heppell, Colyer, Lonergan, Melksham, Winderlich, Stanton, Jetta, Monfries(?) and possibly Crameri? Surely that should suffice for the next 6-10 years? We need a key backman!

- Josh Byrne (posted 18/11/2011 6:06:59 PM)

Kevin Jackson, are you insane? Gumby playing 300 games means he would have to play til he's about 37. Never going to happen! If we can get 200 out of him it will be a miracle that Jesus Christ himself would be amazed by.

- Josh Byrne (posted 18/11/2011 6:40:41 PM)

Great to hear that Gumbo has had the mystery solved. The big feller has a ton of talent, and I really think 2012 will be HUGE for him! Go well Gumbo, and thank God we are not pursuing the village idiot.

- Graeme Blore (posted 18/11/2011 8:50:31 PM)

I would rather M Lloyd back for a year or two than fev. I hope the players don't use the same surgeon as Gumby did over the previous years!

- Steven Boyle (posted 18/11/2011 8:59:00 PM)

I don't know, but this may be a controversial statement. Potential KPP's need more patience with injury than running players as they are harder to find (Ok, throw the tomatoes). Gumbleton can still have a big future and I am pleased we are trying everything we can to make him our future.

- Wesley Hull (posted 18/11/2011 9:05:24 PM)

For some strange reason, I keep seeing visions of Gumby steaming out from full forward and taking a multitude of great marks. I still beleive in this man, that he can deliver the goods.

- Cory Williams (posted 18/11/2011 9:27:27 PM)

What a relief this good news must be for you Scott. Have a spectacular 2012 season. Best of luck mate.

- Gail Taylor (posted 18/11/2011 11:02:44 PM)

Well done gumby, look forward to seeing u mate!

- Rolf Buchner (posted 18/11/2011 11:02:48 PM)

Not the unluckiest ever,Neale daniher was that because he was a champion at 21 and career ruined by knee injuries. Gumby doesn't need luck he just has to stay away from bad luck . As for our forwards and fev,no one is capable of kicking 50 goals a year,TALL or SMALL at this stage and top 4 teams do!

- Chris Steffen (posted 19/11/2011 12:23:13 AM)

Michael,Fev might have had a great goalkicking tally,but please who did he play against.He did not play against Geelong,Collingwood or any other top side.I dont think he would have kicked many against Port.He played with low sides and also played against them.Dont be fooled by how many he kicked. Michael,we also have around 8 to 13 goalkickers.Why would we change that,and have a has been that is so predictable.diane

- Diane Trask (posted 19/11/2011 2:04:03 AM)

Agree Josh Byrne he wont play 300, but 200 is very acheivable (only 8 seasons) and dont count him out still playing at 37, look at Fletch.

- Chris Litchfield (posted 19/11/2011 9:47:41 AM)

Also Josh, with all the issues Hird had, he still played 250-odd. Anything could be possible with this Bloke!!

- Chris Litchfield (posted 19/11/2011 9:50:40 AM)

Nothing wrong with a bit of positive spin Josh. Would rather read that from Kevin Jackson than the 'insane' recruiting path you have been on since seasons end. Lets get Fev for what reason? Our first and second year players have more maturity. How could he in any way be good for our club? Insane?

- Brad Scarr (posted 19/11/2011 3:08:25 PM)

Good luck Scott. Forget about Fev. He is too old, doesn't chase and is certain to make an ass of himself again. He might be good for GWS, come on Kevin give Fev yet another chance.

- Alan Davidson (posted 19/11/2011 9:54:36 PM)

Josh, what's wrong with playing until you are 37? You reckon Fevola could play til he was 36, and are you ready to cashier Fletch? At least be consistently off the mark, mate! And miracle do happen - we got Heppell, yeah!?

- Kris Bayne (posted 20/11/2011 1:12:07 AM)

@ Chris Steffen. We have Hurls, Paddy, Gus and Crammers was not far off from 50 this year, missed a few games and kicked poorly at times, and will get better. Not bad for a rookie. With the right delivery all these guns have 50 + potential. Correct me if I'm wrong mate, Mark Harvey won the goal kicking in 85 with 48 goals. Not a bad season?

- Brad Scarr (posted 20/11/2011 11:42:19 AM)

Kris, never said I was ready to cashier Fletch. But be realistic. How much more do you really think his ageing body can take?

- Josh Byrne (posted 20/11/2011 9:36:33 PM)

Brad, I'm not the only person who shares my views on recruiting! Yourself and Kris just seem to want to single me out. Not sure what your connection to the club is, and honestly, I don't care. Time will show that I'm alot more on the ball than either of you give me credit for!

- Josh Byrne (posted 20/11/2011 9:48:20 PM)

Josh, you think your "on the ball" but you might just be resting in the back pocket, easy for us to make calls when not responsible to anyone, & if you comment on other peoples posts, expect to have your commented on, it's not personal, and Kevin Jackson is not insane, haven't you heard of "figure of speach" mate

- Mark McLachlan (posted 21/11/2011 9:29:01 AM)

You're right, Josh, you are not the only one and if you were to look back carefully you would see that you are not the only one to be called on it. You also post a lot so you draw comments - you are not being 'singled out', just responded to. Fact on life on this site and no reason to be defensive. If you feel strongly about something say so, but others have a right of reply, as you also exercise. As for my connection to the club, I am a supporter.

- Kris Bayne (posted 22/11/2011 2:12:56 PM)

Agree Josh Byrne. Better Fev with us than against us.

- Jeanette Jennings (posted 24/11/2011 5:33:31 PM)

Will be neither Jeanette. Fev will wander off into the football wilderness, crownie in one hand, form guide in the other, yee-haa!

- Brad Scarr (posted 27/11/2011 7:12:10 AM)