The 26-year-old was one of four changes the Bombers made to their playing list the club announced on Thursday.

Former Richmond premiership forward Jacob Townsend, rookie big man Henry Crauford and midfielder Dylan Clarke were the other changes.

Gleeson and Clarke have been informed by the club of its intentions to reinstate them as rookies should they be available for selection in the upcoming AFL rookie draft.

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General manager of list and recruiting Adrian Dodoro said he looked forward to welcoming the pair back to the club and "to seeing them develop further as footballers."

Gleeson has played 91 games, including 13 in 2020, for the Bombers across eight seasons.

The Koroit junior product, who made a mark as a light-weight teenager for the Saints before being drafted in 2012, has been hampered by injury throughout his career.

His most serious injury came in 2018 when he broke his foot and dislocated his ankle during a pre-season match. He missed more than a year of football as a result.

Gleeson, a former North Ballarat Rebel, played consistently in the Bombers' side from 2015-17 before the injury.

This season the 191cm defender returned to consistency playing in the senior side following nine games in 2019.

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