Essendon list manager Adrian Dodoro hasrevealed big man Scott Gumbleton rejected a ‘big offer’ from the WesternBulldogs to remain a Bomber in 2013.

Gumbleton agreed to a new one-year dealwith the Bombers late on Friday afternoon despite interest from a number ofclub’s during the trade period.

Dodoro said he was not surprised by thedecision of the 24-year-old.

“He is in training, going really well andknocked back a big offer from the Bulldogs to stay with us so I hope all Bomberfans are rapt to hear that,” Dodoro said.

“He is very loyal guy who has appreciatedall the club has done for him and we have appreciated what he has done for us.”

“Gumby and Jobe Watson have a very closefriendship, I think it would have been pretty hard for him to leave Jobe, theyare attached at the hip.”

New recruit Brendon Goddard has begun histraining program despite not having officially started with the club.

Dodoro confirmed there had beenconversations with Goddard before he left for his US holiday.

“Prior to him going overseas we were incontact with him and he has got a program,” Dodoro told SEN radio.

“He is really looking forward to joiningthe guys in Colorado in the high altitude training on November 3.”

“He is looking forward to joining us and weare looking forward to having him on board.”