MARTY Gleeson's AFL career is temporarily on hold after Essendon delisted the versatile defender with intentions to re-select him in the rookie draft.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 26-year-old was one of four changes the Bombers to their playing list the club announced on Thursday.
Former Richmond premiership forward Jacob Townsend, rookie big man Henry Crauford and midfielder Dylan Clarke were the other changes.
General manager of list and recruiting Adrian Dodoro said he looked forward to welcoming the pair back to the club and "to seeing them develop further as footballers."
Gleeson has played 91 games, including 13 in 2020, for the Bombers across eight seasons.
The Koroit junior product, who made a mark as a light-weight teenager for the Saints before being drafted in 2012, has been hampered by injury throughout his career.
His most serious injury came in 2018 when he broke his foot and dislocated his ankle during a pre-season match. He missed over a year of football as a result.
Gleeson, a former North Ballarat Rebel, played consistently in the Bombers' side from 2015-17 before the injury.
This season the 191cm defender returned to consistency playing in the senior side following nine games in 2019.