As far as feel-good stories of 2019 are concerned, it’s hard to go past Marty Gleeson’s comeback as the pick of the bunch.
After six matches in the VFL, the much-loved clubman made his AFL return in the famous round 15 win over GWS, marking 656 days separating appearances.
It was a fitting comeback for the 24-year-old, who had to navigate a treacherous road that so often seemed to have an elusive destination.
So serious was Gleeson’s injury suffered in the 2018 JLT Community Series – a broken talus bone in his foot, dragging his heel a centimetre forward and dislocating it – that Bruce Reid had seen it just once before in nearly four decades as club doctor.
Gleeson's severe injury in 2018 threatened to derail his career. (Photo: AFL Photos)
But in a testament to his courage and perseverance, Gleeson overcame the odds to play nine consecutive games in 2019, reminding the footy world of why he’d become a staple in the Bombers’ defence for three years prior to injury.
KEY STATS
Games: 9
Goals: 0
Average disposals: 16.6
Average marks: 4.4
Average intercepts: 7.2
Average rebound 50s: 2.6
BEST PERFORMANCE
In just his third game back, Gleeson produced an inspired performance to propel his side to a five-point win over North Melbourne in round 17.
The rebounding defender recorded season-highs for disposals (21), kicks (13), marks (eight), contested marks (three) and one-percenters (eight).
He lifted as the game wore on, too, repelling many of the Kangaroos’ attacks in a frantic finish to a finals-like contest.
Gleeson throws himself at a contest against North Melbourne. (Photo: AFL Photos)
MIGHTY MOMENT
The Crows could have gained the ascendancy if not for Gleeson’s incredible intercept mark in the final term of the round 18 clash.
Leading by two points with 14 minutes to go, Adelaide’s inside-50 entry looked destined to fall in the hands of a leading Hugh Greenwood.
Sensing the danger, Gleeson put his body in the path of an oncoming Greenwood to cut off the delivery, showcasing the key ingredients of his game: courage, skill and an ability to read the play.
His effort no doubt inspired his teammates, who went on to record a 21-point victory in enemy territory
2020 VISION
Gleeson underwent an ankle arthroscopy last week, but unlike last year, he's not expected to have any interruptions to his pre-season.
Having conquered some serious challenges to earn his spot again in the senior line-up, the sky's the limit in 2020 for Gleeson, who remains a vital cog in a talented defence.
