Key position prospect Scott Gumbleton has not been ruled out of the club’s NAB challenge match next Saturday despite sending an injury scare through the Bombers' camp after suffering a back spasm last week.
General manager of football operations Paul Hamilton said while it was unlikely that the 21-year-old would take part in the club's next match, Gumbleton is progressing well and could still play.
“Scott is showing some really good improvement this week which is pleasing because he was pretty stiff and sore for a couple of days after he had the back spasm,” Hamilton said.
“Jason Winderlich had a very similar back operation and also had one or two scares along the way including a back spasm so we are hoping it is the same with Scott because he is freeing right up at the moment so we are pleased about that.”
Gumbleton - who is now the only player on the club's injury list - will be placed on modified training duties this week before gradually increasing his training load.
“We will ease him back into things and hopefully get him back on track again sooner rather than later,” Hamilton said.
“It’s probably a bit early to call but it is looking more unlikely than likely for Gumbleton to line up in the challenge match but it’s still early days and he is tracking well so you never know.”
In other positive news, club ruckmen David Hille (knee) and Jason Laycock (calf) look to be free of any injury woes, both competing in the Bendigo Bombers intra-club hit-out at Windy Hill on Friday night.
Hamilton said both players performed well and could make for an interesting selection dilemma ahead of the club’s season opener against Geelong on March 26.
David Myers (hamstring) also played in the Friday night scratch match and pulled up well.
