Bendigo coach Shannon Grant said Gumbleton's marking strength and presence in the air became apparent more as the game went on.

""The best thing about it was Scott was just able to go out, play footy and have a game with his mates, "" Grant said.

""The longer the game went the better he got, and considering he hasn't played for a while, I thought he slotted in really well and looked very damaging and dangerous when he was up forward.""

""He pulled up really well, so we just need to get a couple more games into him and keep getting him out there. He was a real bonus for us on the weekend,"" he said.

Jay Neagle played his best game for the season in a new role as a ruckman, and Grant said Neagle's ability to create a contest – in the air and on the ground – was crucial for the Bombers.

""The most pleasing thing with Jay was just his willingness and ability to be able to compete. He was rucking against a guy who was a bit bigger, but he jumped, he created a contest, and his follow up to win the footy or tackle the opposition midfielders was really good,"" Grant said.

Mark Williams followed his strong game for Bendigo against Sandringham with another impressive performance against the Hawks, kicking three goals and gaining possessions further up the field.

""He's getting into a lot better form. His last two weeks have been a real positive for not only ‘Willo', but us as a club as well,"" he said.

""He's doing a lot right. He needs to keep preparing well and training well and keep putting in efforts like that. He's actually putting his body on the line and winning a bit of his own footy which is really pleasing to see.""

Kyle Reimers came off the field early in the first quarter after receiving a heavy knock, but returned in the second half to have an influence in the midfield, and Henry Slattery shut down his opponent in defence and was also able to rebound well off half-back.