Delisted Essendon backman Martin Gleeson remains hopeful of continuing his AFL career beyond this year after not being offered a new contract for the 2022 season.
The Bombers announced last week that Gleeson's time at Tullamarine had come to an end, with the 27-year-old a surplus to requirements for Ben Rutten's list.
The Koroit native first joined the red sash via the 2021 National Draft, making his AFL debut two years later and going on to play a total of 97 games with the Bombers.
With Rutten looking to steady his squad for the coming years and strengthen the club's hopes for September success, Gleeson joined Ned Cahill, David Zaharakis and Lachlan Johnson in not being offered a contract extension beyond 2021.
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Speaking toย SENย this week, Gleeson stated he still has "that fire" to continue playing at the elite level despite the setback.
โThat desire to be on an AFL list is still there,โ Gleeson said.
โI still feel like Iโve got a lot more to give if the opportunity came my way.
โI think towards the end of this year, that fire kept burning more, getting back into the team and playing some footy, especially playing in that final, thatโs what weโre here for.
โThat fire is still there.โ
Essendon have looked to rejuvenate their list for the future, including a new-look backline which will hope to take the club a step further in their push for premiership contention.
The Bombers amassed a top-eight finish this year in what was a surprising result given their list demographic and have brought in Crows free agent Jake Kelly to aid their defensive structure.
Essendon have also appointed Richmond champion Alex Rance in a development role for next season, adding to Rutten's ranks for 2022.
With Jayden Laverde enjoying a career-best season in a new role with the Bombers down back, and the future focus on top 10 pick Zach Reid, Gleeson's time with Essendon came to an end.
The versatile defender joins Cale Hooker, Patrick Ambrose, Irving Mosquito and the aforementioned delisted trio in departing the Bombers this off-season.
Gleeson's axing also leaves midfielder Dylan Clarke as the only senior player yet to know where his future lies at Tullamarine.
