Essendon forward Scott Gumbleton hasrevealed the inspiration he took from coach James Hird’s injury riddled careerthrough his recovery from injury.

Speaking on The Hangar, Gumbleton who has played just 25 gamessince being selected at pick 2 in the 2006 draft due to injury problems saidthe support of his coach had been important in his comeback.

“Iwatched him as a youngster and he is obviously such a champion of the game withall he had to go through to get back on top,” Gumbleton told The Hangar.

“He has helped me out a fair bit with whatI have had to do to get my career back on track.”

The 23 year old played his first game inalmost two years against Port Adelaide in round sixteen bagging three goals.

“I was very nervous running out but once Igot out there the instinct kicked in and just played the game,” Gumbleton said.

“Mum and dad have always been there, theyhave gone through thick and thin with me.”

“There is still times where I feel like Ifall out of the game and that is going to just take consistency as I play a fewmore games.”

The Bombers forward line will receive aboost this weekend with Michael Hurley set to return from injury to assist Gumbletonagainst the Crows.

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