Versatile Essendon defender Marty Gleeson says he couldn’t have asked for a better return to the senior side than the Bombers’ stirring six-point victory over GWS on Thursday.

656 days after his most recent AFL game in the club’s 2017 elimination final against Sydney, Gleeson’s long journey back to the field came to an end in the greatest of fashions at Marvel Stadium.

Sitting 19 points adrift of the Giants with a tick over 12 minutes left on the clock, the Dons rallied to boot five of the next six goals and clinch the remarkable victory.

“The boys were super, I felt like we were always in the game and ready to come, and in that last five/10 minutes we really showed what we can do, so it was awesome,” Gleeson said post-game.

“I felt like we were really on top throughout the game, they just got a few goals at crucial times. But we just really turned up the pressure and kept the ball in our forward half, it was great to finish off strongly like we did.”

After working tirelessly to get back to full fitness following a nasty ankle injury that put a line through his 2018 season, Gleeson was thrilled to be back.

“It’s pretty special for me and for all of the people that have helped me along the journey as well.

“I’m just happy that they’re enjoying it as much as I am, it’s been a long time but I’m stoked to be back and I’ll keep going now.”

With such a long time off the AFL field, Gleeson (13 disposals and six one percenters) admitted the rapid pace of the first quarter was noticeable, but he said he settled into the speed of the game as the Bombers took control with their game plan.

Gleeson put together a good return to the side on Thursday. (Image: AFL Photos)

The subsequent storming comeback win was made all the more impressive after the loss of ruckman Tom Bellchambers in the third quarter to a leg injury, with forward Shaun McKernan and defender Cale Hooker thriving under the pressure to play a huge role in the success.

“For ‘Horse’ (McKernan) to go in the ruck and compete the way he did and then ‘Hooksy’ went forward and kicked two and competed, it was super,” Gleeson said.

“That’s a great testament to those boys and the rest of the side for filling in for everyone and finishing off strongly.”

Gleeson said the victory is even more special given his most experienced teammate David Zaharakis’ massive 200th-game milestone.

“You always want to go out and try to get a win for the boys in their milestone matches, so it’s something he’ll remember forever and something we’ll remember as well.”

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Heading forward, Gleeson said it is important for the team to maintain its focus despite the promising signs it showed in beating one of the league’s leading contenders in such impressive fashion on Thursday.

“I guess for us it’s just about continual improvement, we can’t rest on our laurels now that we’ve beaten the Giants.

“We’ve just got to continue to improve, train hard each week and commit to what we’re doing. If we do that, hopefully we finish off the year strongly.

“I can’t wait (for next week), it will be good. I’ve got to recover up now to get ready to go, but it will be great.”

The Dons now get a much-needed break ahead of their next big challenge against the in-form Sydney line-up at the MCG next Saturday.