Arriving at Essendon on the back of one of the most hotly debated drafts in years, Gumbleton pipped a pool of talented draftees including Lachlan Hansen and Matthew Leuenberger with the Bombers first selection.
And who could blame the Essendon selectors? Who couldn’t go past the 197cm, dynamic key position player who can play at either end of the ground?
Since draft day, Gumbleton, or Gumby as he is more affectionately known by his teammates, has made the move from Perth and is now focused as he begins developing his body in his first gruelling pre-season.
""Training has probably been a lot harder than I expected. Obviously I always thought that it would be a step up from what I have been used to but I think it is even a step above that,"" he explained.
""It is definitely a lot more difficult than what I thought it would be.""
While recognising the challenge ahead, Gumbleton concedes this is a small step that will bring him closer to fulfilling his dream of playing AFL football.
But just when this dream debut will become a reality still remains a mystery to the 18-year-old.
""I don’t know if I will even get the opportunity to play senior footy this year,"" Gumbleton explained.
""I do have to work fairly hard on developing my body but hopefully I will get a taste of senior footy this year if I am lucky. But if not then hopefully I will start to play a few games next year.""
Once idolising, and now training alongside, champions such as Lloyd, Hird and Lucas, Gumbleton has great expectations and big boots to fill as focus grows on developing future Essendon stars.
""I’ve always looked up to Lloydy and Lucas and Hirdy and now I have the opportunity to see how hard they work and get an idea of what they have had to do to get where they are today.""
One man who has been in his position is Scott Lucas who once himself arrived at the club as a future key position player.
""He has come to the club displaying a good work ethic and is prepared to listen which I think are two of the most important qualities for a young player to exhibit,"" Lucas revealed.
""Now he just needs to work on his deficiencies and build up his strengths and then he will improve as a player from there.
""Obviously it is early to make predictions but after seeing footage of him, he looks like an outstanding prospect. However in saying that I think Gumbleton, like all players, will take some time to develop but I am really looking forward to seeing him improve.""
Gumbleton’s smooth transition into the AFL system has been aided by his ability to fit in with his fellow teammates.
""I’ve settled in pretty well. All of the guys have been really good.
""I lived with Kepler Bradley for about a month to start off with when I first got here and I found that really beneficial because it enabled me to get to know a few of the guys a bit better.
Despite settling in to Melbourne life, Gumbleton confesses that the biggest challenge he has had to overcome is missing the constant support of his parents.
""I’m probably missing Mum and Dad over here because they were always there for me. Now it’s a bit hard to see them so I just have to speak to them now which is always difficult.""
However despite openly confessing that he misses his parents, Gumbleton assures us that he is being well looked after, currently living with Damien Peverill who has assumed the motherly duties.
Let's just hope Pev is as good in the kitchen as he is on the field.
