SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 09: Martin Gleeson of the Bombers handballs under pressure from Josh Kennedy of the Swans during the AFL Second Elimination Final match between the Sydney Swans and the Essendon Bombers at Sydney Cricket Ground on September 9, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Essendon defender Marty Gleeson has been delisted by the Bombers.

Gleeson was informed by the club that he wouldn't be offered a new deal for the 2022 season.

The lockdown small defender managed just six games in 2021 and just 28 games in his finals three seasons.

Martin Gleeson of the Bombers is tackled during the round 23 AFL match between the Essendon Bombers and the Carlton Blues at Melbourne Cricket Ground on August 27, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

A cruel injury blow that saw him miss the entire 2018 season came at the worst possible time for Gleeson who had averaged 20 games a season in the previous three campaigns.

Bombers Football Manager Josh Mahoney said Gleeson was a popular part of the club and would be missed.

“It’s a tough time of year to be making these calls, but we’d like to thank Marty for the impact he has had on the club,” Mahoney said.

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“He has been such a respected, dependable person for us over a number of years and it’s tough to be saying goodbye to someone as popular as he is.

“Marty should be proud of his efforts, in particular, his resilience to overcome a significant ankle injury and the way he has helped shape the culture of our club.

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“We wish him all the best for his future and he will forever be an Essendon person.”

Gleeson played 97 games for the Bombers.