Fremantle Dockers closing in on securing Essendon's Scott Gumbleton

FREMANTLE is a step closer to bringing home injury prone key forward Scott Gumbleton after medical tests.

Fremantle is closing in on securing Scott Gumbleton.

FREMANTLE is a step closer to bringing home injury prone key forward Scott Gumbleton after medical tests.

Dockers management is expected to make further assessments of Gumbleton's fitness this week before any negotiations with Essendon on a potential trade deal.

Attempts to lure the gifted forward back to his home state could intensify by the end of this week ahead of the final trading deadline on Friday, October 25.

Gumbleton, 25, could become a priority in Fremantle's search for a power forward with growing doubts that Geelong veteran James Podsiadly will join the Dockers.

Podsiadly, 32, has all but ruled out a shift interstate and his hopes of continuing his AFL days could be at Carlton.

Gumbleton has endured a nightmare injury run since he was an early national draft pick at number two in 2006, has managed just 35 games since and is now a victim of a crowded Essendon forward line make-up.

He made seven appearances on the Bombers forward line this season and booted 12 goals, including an equal career-best four goals from 18 possessions against St Kilda on his return back in Round 4.

Fremantle is also in a race with West Coast to sign nippy Hawthorn winger Xavier Ellis.

Dockers and Eagles medical staff have conducted fitness and health checks on the Hawks 2008 premiership star.

Ellis, 25, has indicated he wants to be traded in search of regular senior team outings and is weighing up options at West Coast and Fremantle.

West Coast appears more likely if a trade can be negotiated with Hawks officials. He was among the best players afield up to half-time in Hawthorn's flag win over Geelong in '08 before he was struck down with leg troubles.

Ellis's career stalled this season with just two appearances in the strong Hawks side as he battled a nagging calf injury. Knee troubles similarly restricted senior outings to just six appearances last season, including the losing Grand Final to Sydney.

Ellis would be a handy back-up with star on-baller Daniel Kerr set to confirm his retirement.

Kerr, 30, is contracted for next season on a lucrative deal that was redrawn last year to take the two-time Brownlow Medal runner-up to the end of 2014, but negotiated a payout with West Coast late last month.

Kerr had originally told Eagles teammates he would retire, before the retirement of coach John Worsfold.

Kerr's retirement subsequently stalled as West Coast officials decided on a new coach.

He managed only 10 senior appearances this year and has not played since the Eagles Round 14 home loss to Essendon, when Kerr collected 19 possessions and booted a goal.

His retirement announcement has been anticipated ever since Eagles management offered the new coaching position to Adam Simpson.