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Essendon looks to have lured former North Melbourne defender Nathan Grima out of retirement, with the 30-year-old set to become the Bombers' latest top-up player.

AFL.com.au understands the injury-plagued defender is close to signing a one-year deal that will see him become Essendon's ninth top-up player.

After 86 games in eight seasons at North Melbourne, a persistent back injury forced Grima to retire in July last year.

But after seven months away from the game, the key defender is set to return.

During his career, the defender required three surgeries on his troublesome back, but was also plagued by a series of knee and foot injuries.

Grima was recruited as a 22-year-old by the Kangaroos at the end of 2007 at pick No.14 in the rookie draft.

New contract for new Don before his club debut

The Bombers have already signed ex-Cats Mathew Stokes and James Kelly as top-up players for season 2016.

Former Fremantle tagger Ryan Crowley, Mark Jamar, Sam Grimley, James Polkinghorne, Matt Dea and Jonathan Simpkin have also signed short-term contracts with the club.

The Bombers have just one more spot on their list to fill before the March 15 deadline.

The club can also promote two rookies on to their senior list.