It seemed like the dream of being a senior AFL Footballer was all but over for Nathan Grima.
Although a talented defender and a much loved man around North Melbourne, the then soon to be 30-year-old would announce his retirement in July of 2015, after a persistent back injury severely restricted his ability to play.
However, just short of a year after ending his career, Nathan Grima is set to make his return to football against the Swans this Saturday.
Fittingly, the last time that he played was in the 2014 Preliminary Final - also against the Swans.
Grima surprised many at the beginning of this year when he joined the Bombers, eagerly signing a one-year contract with the hope of adding to his 86 game career.
Despite a limited pre-season the 30-year-old has barely put a foot wrong and has been one of the most consistent performers for Essendon VFL this year.
“He was in pretty good shape - he was aiming to play footy this year so he’d done a bit of work,” said Worsfold
“We did have to spend a bit of time building him up.
“He’s now had a number of weeks of footy under his belt and we feel he’s ready to go.
“He’s played really well in the VFL in the last couple of weeks, including on Travis Cloke a couple of weeks ago so he’s up for it.”
Grima makes his Essendon debut alongside youngster Mason Redman, who was also named in Saturday’s team.
The duo have performed strongly for Essendon VFL in the opening rounds and have earned their call up to the team.
Shaun McKernan will also return after being dropped earlier this season.
The big man returns after overcoming an ankle injury and proving to Coaches that he is more than ready to go at a senior level.
It is hoped that McKernan will be able to provide some much needed support for Matthew Leuenberger in the ruck, as well as sneak forward and become another target in front of goals.
“He played really well in their last practice game before he hurt his ankle and then missed a week,” said Worsfold.
“But he’s working really on his game, so he’ll do a little bit of ruck work and play as a forward.”
Nathan Grima:
Age: 30
Position: Defender
Height: 192cm
Weight: 94kg
Recruited From: North Melbourne
Games: 86
Goals: 1 (Against Essendon)
