Fremantle has acquired key forward Scott Gumbleton after the club agreed to a trade with Essendon on Friday

The Bombers will receive selection 55 in next month’s NAB AFL National Draft in return for the 25-year-old, who was signed on a one-year contract with an option of a second year.

The former Peel Thunder player has had an injury-interrupted career since being selected with the second pick in the 2006 AFL National Draft, appearing in 35 games and kicking 45 goals.

Gumbleton played 16 games this season, including seven at AFL level in an Essendon side brimming with key forwards and nine for its VFL affiliate Bendigo.

Fremantle general manager of football operations Chris Bond welcomed Gumbleton to the club.

“Our information on Scott tells us he's a hard worker and a quality person who fits our list management model,” Bond said.

“We feel Scott will be an asset to the playing group.”

Fremantle now goes into the 2013 NAB AFL National Draft with selections 17, 37, 58, 73, 91, 109 and 127.