Essendon have granted veteran ruckman David Hille a fortnight’s AFL leave so he can attend a family wedding in France.

The Bombers struck the unusual deal with the 31-year-old after talking him into playing again this season.

“It was part of the plan,” Essendon assistant coach Mark Thompson told Fox Sports’ AFL360 program.

“He was thinking of retiring at the end of last year, so we talked him into playing.

“He never got a game early and he was a bit flat.

“He asked whether he could go and have a good think about things – relax and freshen up.

“Hopefully he comes back and plays some great footy.”

Hille has played 196 games for Essendon since his 2001 debut and captained the club during the 2006 season.

He is now the backup ruck option behind Tom Bellchambers and Paddy Ryder.

But Hille has impressed since returning to the senior team in round four.

The Bombers recalled him when Ryder received a three-week suspension.

Ryder will return for Friday night’s blockbuster against Geelong, the only other unbeaten team after six rounds.

Football manager Danny Corcoran said they were aware of the overseas commitment when they re-signed Hille.

Corcoran added Hille had been “a valuable contributor” in the last three matches.