However the 25-year-old knows that he is not guaranteed a spot in the starting line-up at his new club.
Essendon traded the West Australian to Fremantle for pick No. 55 following seven injury-plagued seasons that yielded just 35 matches.
Initially drafted to the Dons with pick No. 2 in the 2006 NAB AFL Draft, Gumbleton is under no illusions about the challenge in front of him at his new club.
"I have a fair bit of work to do and I am looking forward to the pre-season, working hard and learning some new things from Ross (Lyon) and some of the senior guys here," Gumbleton said.
"Fremantle have given me a chance for a fresh start and that's what I'm looking forward to."
Gumbleton joined the first to fourth year players on day one of pre-season training on a warm day at Fremantle Oval.
"It’s great to be back home and enjoying the weather," Gumbleton said.
"It was nice and warm but I'm loving it and it was good to start with a couple of the young guys, meet people like that. It’s a bit easier."
"Running out there today felt good," he said.
"I am looking forward to getting some respect in the pre-season, working hard and seeing how I go from there."
Gumbleton wasn't the only new face at the Dockers’ training session with 21-year-old Irishman Sean Hurley starting a two-week trial with Fremantle before the club decides whether to sign the Gaelic footballer as an international rookie.
"He looked to be going alright. I think he got a little bit sunburnt," Gumbleton said of Hurley.
"Hopefully the guys can introduce him to a few people and show him around Perth."
Anthony Morabito trained fully, nearly 11 months on from his third knee-reconstruction. The 22-year-old attempted to return during the 2013 season but was rested in August to be ready for day one of the pre-season.
"He's obviously been through a tough time but he's looking fit at the moment. He looks good," Gumbleton said.
Michael Barlow also joined the young Fremantle players despite this being his fifth pre-season. He ran impressively alongside Lachie Neale, although both were well behind rookie Sam Menegola.
