Scott Gumbleton could miss the remainder of the season after sustaining broken ribs and a slightly punctured lung during last night’s convincing win over the Saints.

Essendon general manager of football operations Paul Hamilton said the 22-year-old was hospitalised late last night after the pain experienced following a heavy knock during the game failed to subside.

“Scott hurt his ribs during the game and was taken to hospital last night where he spent a few hours before spending the night back at home,” Hamilton said.

“Unfortunately he has got broken ribs and there was a slightly punctured lung and we expect him to be out for a number of weeks.

Gumbleton sustained the injury early in the second term after copping a heavy knock to the back. He left the ground for the remainder of the quarter before returning after the main break and playing out the rest of the game.

Hamilton applauded the courage shown by the key forward.

“He was terrifically courageous last night. He put his hand up to come back on the ground because he wanted to keep playing,” Hamilton said.

“He did a lot of work at half time with the club doctors to see if he would be okay.

“He felt fine and the doctors were happy with how he presented and we played him on because he was keen to go on.

“He not only played but he also performed and we were really happy with that. He played with courage for the remainder of the game.”

In other injury news, Jobe Watson and Alwyn Davey are both expected to play next Friday night despite sustaining knocks during last night’s game.

“Jobe should be okay. Every week he is copping a lot of knocks and last night we saw it again with knocks to the shins. He is able to get up over the course of the week and hopefully will again this week,” Hamilton said.