Gumbleton spent some time weighing up a one-year contract extension from Essendon at the end of last season while other clubs, including reportedly the Western Bulldogs, offered greater security with multi-year deals.
But the former No.2 draft pick, who has endured a terrible run with injury since joining the club at the end of 2006, said he never wanted to leave the Bombers.
"A few clubs thought that I mightn't get the opportunity at Essendon with all the tall defenders and tall forwards we've got there," Gumbleton told SEN on Tuesday.
"I obviously wanted to stay at the club. They’ve been very good to me.
"It crossed my mind a little bit, but in the end I really didn't want to leave the club. I wanted to stay here with all my mates and I felt like I hadn't finished what I'd started at the club and that's what got me [over] the line."
Gumbleton starred in Essendon's 37-point win over St Kilda last week with four goals and 12 marks, dominating when fellow forward Michael Hurley left the field with an ankle injury.
The 24-year-old admitted it was a competitive environment at the Bombers considering their depth of tall talent.
"I've just got to put that in the back of my mind, keep playing good footy and see what happens from there," he said.
Serious back injuries have limited Gumbleton, now in his seventh AFL season, to only 29 games, but with his aerial ability and strong endurance, there is a role for the 197cm West Australian in Essendon's attack if he can stay fit.
He said he was pleased to play that role against the Saints, and that he was gradually getting over the fear his body wouldn't be able to stand up to football's rigours.
"It sort of hangs over your head a little bit, but the more and more you play, the more and more confident you get," Gumbleton said.
Follow AFL website reporter Callum Twomey on Twitter at @AFL_CalTwomey.
