Marty Gleeson is fast becoming a vital cog in Essendon’s most consistent line.

The emerging defender is finding his feet within a backline that is proving one of the competition’s most resolute. 

“You’ve got guys like ‘Hurls’ (Michael Hurley) and ‘Hooksy’ (Cale Hooker) – they’ve been playing really well.  It makes it easier if you get caught out, they can come across and give you a chop out,” Gleeson said.

The 20 year old was a regular in the early part of 2014 before a quad injury cruelled the middle part of his season. 

Gleeson then regained fitness and form to return for the Bombers finals campaign.

His career is now 14 games old but already he’s crammed a lot in.

That final against North Melbourne, two Anzac Day games against Collingwood and two tight finishes against Hawthorn.

“There is a lot more heat and pressure on the footy,” Gleeson said.

“You learn quicker in those games for sure.” 

Watching the 76-kilogram defender swivel his hips, arch his back and twist his way through the opposition’s clutches is becoming a regular feature of watching the Bombers play.

“Being a bit lighter, I can’t afford to get thrown around too much.  The coaches always encourage me to run and create off half back,” he said. 

Now Gleeson and his teammates face one of the most difficult challenges in the game.

The Bombers play Fremantle in Perth on Saturday.

“We’ve just got to be consistent for four quarters. We’ve played well for three quarters here and a half there.  But if we can put it together for four quarters – good consistent footy around the ball, that will hold us in good stead to challenge Freo.”