Exciting young Bomber forward Scott Gumbleton has added six kilograms of muscle to his frame and is fully fit heading into his fourth season at the club according to assistant coach Alan Richardson.
Speaking on the new Bomber.tv series, Summer Spotlight - which focuses on the Bombers’ new and emerging stars - Richardson said the club's fitness staff have taken a cautious approach to the 22-year-old's pre-season program.
""We have been a little conservative with him early in the piece but he is certainly now doing 100% of the program,"" he said.
""He's a pretty impressive athlete when it comes to doing the loads; he eats that stuff up and is an impressive endurance athlete. We are really happy with him.
""We would ideally like to have another few kilos on him but having said that he has put on six kilos .. so that is heading in the right direction for him.""
Richardson said the 197cm, West Australian is expected to feature in 2010 NAB Cup and pre-season games after impressing in one-on-one training duels with Cale Hooker, Dustin Fletcher and Tayte Pears.
""He needs to play footy,"" he said.
""For him to be ready to go in Round 1 or 2 of the season he needs to play plenty of footy. We are keen for him to play, he is right to play and has been cleared.""
Richardson said while there is plenty of expectation surrounding Gumbleton - including from the coaching staff and the player himself - people had to remember he has played just five career games.
Membership news update – over 15,000 membership packs have now been sent out to supporters and thousands more will be sent out over the next few weeks.
The small, unexpected delay in the mailing of 2010 membership packs (which were originally planned to be sent mid December) is due to a number of factors including an upgrade of Essendon’s IT systems which will ultimately improve the accuracy of club information.
