In a major boost for the club, key position prospect Scott Gumbleton is now participating in most training drills.
The fact the 197cm forward has been able to increase his training loads without a major set-back is seen as a positive step forward in the recovery from a serious back injury.
Gumbleton, who was taken at No.2 in the 2006 National Draft, has only played five games for the Bombers after being plagued by a run of back related injuries and a broken collar bone.
Football operations manager Paul Hamilton said the 20-year-old has responded well and the club is extremely pleased with his results.
“Scott has certainly increased his training load this week and we are really happy with the progress he is making after a pretty major back operation,” Hamilton said.
“He has been able to complete all running drills and has joined back in all the skill drills as well. He hasn’t been doing any contact drills yet but he will be starting to do them shortly.
To watch Gumbleton at training today click here.
“We are just stepping him up in terms of the competition side of it, making his training a little bit more competitive by raising the intensity.
“So far the signs have been promising, especially the way he is going about things.”
Hamilton remains doubtful that Gumbleton will play this year as the club has decided to take a conservative approach to his rehabilitation, focusing on a solid pre-season and playing in 2010.
“At this stage Scott is unlikely to play any football this year because we are trying to look at a longer-term goal for him,” he said.
“I suppose you could say that you could train him for the next three or four weeks under intense pressure and, if he came through it, he could possibly play the last couple of games but there is a risk there.
“We are more concerned about building Scott up for 2010, the medical staff in consultation with the conditioning staff and coaches are all looking at the bigger picture for him.”
To watch the players at a recent sponsors fucntion click here.
Hamilton said that while Gumbleton is enduring one of the most frustrating times of his career, the West Australian understands that taking things slowly is vital.
“I think Scott is reasonably happy with his progress and that is the number one factor, his progression is a reflection of his attitude towards his injury,” he said.
“Like any footballer he just wants to play football, it’s probably been frustrating from his point of view, but the whole year has been frustrating for him.
“Our job is to get him looking at the bigger picture, looking to the future and hopefully he can have a sensational pre-season and be ready to go in 2010.”
All Bombers fans in Perth please note that there will be an open training session at 11.45am at Subiaco on Saturday the 1st of August. Matthew Knights and David Hille will also hold a signing session on Saturday from 1:30pm at Harvey Norman, shop 80, Abernethy Rd, Belmont.
