Scott Gumbleton will have surgery this evening after fracturing his left collarbone playing for Bendigo on Sunday.

Team manager, David Calthorpe, said well known surgeon Greg Hoy will perform the operation.

“The surgery will be to stabilize the collarbone by using either a plate or a screw which will promote healing,” Calthorpe said.

“Scott will remain in hospital overnight and is looking at a minimum of six-weeks on the sidelines. If we didn’t operate it would be a three-month recovery period.

“Obviously he is feeling down as it’s his third set-back this year but we believe his strong character will come through and this will only make him mentally stronger for his career ahead.

“He is still a chance to play again this year but whether we go down that path will be decided a few weeks after surgery. We won’t be making any decisions until the dust settles.”

Calthorpe said the 19-year old, 197cm key position prospect had been impressive for Bendigo before being injured in the third quarter.

“The signs were there that he was on track for a recall to the senior side in the near future so we are naturally very disappointed for him,” he said.

Gumbleton - who recently signed a two-year deal with the Bombers - was playing his second game of the year for Bendigo after recovering from hamstring and knee injuries.

He played five games for Essendon last year after being taken with Pick No. 2 in the 2006 national draft.