Nathan Grima has agreed to terms with the Essendon Football Club for the 2016 season.

A troublesome back forced the 30 year-old into early retirement mid-way through last year, but a successful surgical procedure has provided the former Kangaroo with the opportunity to reignite his career.

“I’m really excited about joining the Essendon Football Club this season, and can’t wait to have a second chance at playing AFL,” Grima said.

“At first it was my surgeon, John Cunningham, who gave me the confidence that I could get back and play senior football. And after the Club’s medical staff put me through my paces, I had no doubt in my body or my decision.

“My heart is in this 100 percent. My wife, family and friends are behind me 100 percent, and I was never content finishing my career the way I did.

“I feel I still have plenty to offer the Essendon Football Club and can help mentor a young list that will face some unique challenges this season.”

Essendon List and Recruiting Manager, Adrian Dodoro, said Grima is a welcome addition to the Bombers’ defence, with the Tasmanian no stranger to playing on some of the competition's most dangerous forwards.

“We didn’t make this decision overnight. We’ve had ongoing discussions with Nathan, his surgeon and the North Melbourne medical team, and obviously needed to conduct significant due diligence before we put an offer on the table,” Dodoro said.

“We know Nathan is a very talented player, but we needed to make sure his body is capable of enduring the physical demands and challenges of an AFL season.

“He passed an extremely thorough medical, a tough fitness assessment by our strength and conditioning team, and was given the all clear to resume full contact sport by his surgeon.

“Nathan will provide us with some much needed experience in defence and I’m positive our young players will benefit from his presence around the Club.”

Grima played 86 games for the Kangaroos, and ironically kicked the one and only goal of his career against Essendon in Round 21, 2013.

Grima is the ninth new recruit to join the Club following the announcements of Ryan Crowley, Matt Dea, Sam Grimley, Mark Jamar, James Kelly, James Polkinghorne, Jonathan Simpkin and Mathew Stokes.