Essendon has made a further list change, informing Martin Gleeson he won't be offered a contract for the 2022 season.
Originally selected with pick No.53 in the 2012 NAB AFL Draft, Gleeson played 97 games for the Bombers in his nine-year career.
The 27-year-old is a popular figure at the NEC Hangar, having won the John Kilby Staff and Trainers Award in 2020 for displaying strong club values.
A versatile defender who can negate tall or small forwards, Gleeson managed six games in 2021 including the elimination final loss to the Western Bulldogs.
After starting his career with aplomb, playing 69 games in his first four years at the Dons, a horrible ankle injury in a pre-season game halted the exciting development Gleeson had shown.
The resilient defender spent the whole 2018 season on the sidelines, and it would be 656 days before he wore the famous red sash again.
Gleeson showed immense courage to return from that injury and add a further 28 games to his career tally.
Gleeson leaves the Bombers as a fan favourite who was always dependable in giving his all and putting the values of the team first.
General manager of football Josh Mahoney thanked Gleeson for his service and wished him all the best for the future.
“It’s a tough time of year to be making these calls, but we’d like to thank Marty for the impact he has had on the club,” Mahoney said.
“He has been such a respected, dependable person for us over a number of years and it’s tough to being saying goodbye to someone as popular as he is.
“Marty should be proud of his efforts, in particular his resilience to overcome a significant ankle injury and the way he has helped shape the culture of our club.
“We wish him all the best for his future and he will forever be an Essendon person.”
