Media speculation of Nathan Grima’s return to AFL football only commenced this week, but behind the scenes, his road to the Bombers has taken a thorough and thoughtful process.

When he was initially made aware of Essendon’s interest, Grima questioned whether it was feasible.

But discussions with his surgeon put his mind at ease and his burning desire to play in the AFL was re-ignited. 

“It was a process over a three or four week period,” Grima said. 

“I questioned whether physically it was a possibility.  Over the next three or four weeks I saw my surgeon, John Cunningham, about playing local footy at Strathmore, which I was keen to do. 

“He gave me the confidence… he said if you tick a few boxes, I’ll clear you to play.”

The discussions didn’t end there.

Grima sought counsel from those close to him and he spent a lot of time with the Essendon medical staff. 

“I came down to the footy club and passed the things I needed to pass and it became a no-brainer for me in the end,” he said. 

“As a kid I wanted to play footy.  I got it taken off me because of a nasty back injury.  I’ve been cleared medically so why wouldn’t I want to come back to a job that I love doing.” 

Grima’s former Coach Brad Scott spoke of his surprise at his ex-defender’s desire to return earlier this week.

“Whilst I appreciate Brad and every other person that’s called me and offered an opinion on it – they weren’t in hospital with me for the first week,” Grima said.

“They weren’t there when I got back walking and running, lifting weights, the work I’ve done away from the group."

Grima said he has been impressed by his new mentor John Worsfold and is excited by what the group can achieve this season.

“He was great when I met him.  He’s just someone you can tell cares so much about his players,” Grima said.

“They’ve got four senior coaches on their coaching panel.

“I love the game of footy, I want to learn as much as I can.

“It’s a young group, it’s exciting, and it’s a proud footy club going through a difficult time.

“My commitment to Essendon is I will do exactly what I did while I was at North.

“While I wasn’t their best player and didn’t pretend to be – I trained hard, I gave everything I could on the field and socially. 

“I want to help these young players that are missing out on having their core leaders here for the next 12 months.”