Battling a foot problem mid-year and coming out of contract at season’s end, Nathan Grima struggled to see a future for himself at AFL level.
The 29-year-old defender is still waiting to find out if he is staying on at North Melbourne for a seventh season in 2015.
But as he points out, it’s the business end of the year and he’s in the side.
And that has to count for something.
The 84-game veteran has played 12 matches in 2014 including the past five.
It has been a season to test even a man like Grima, a South Launceston product regarded as one of the AFL’s great characters.
“It has been a frustrating year. I missed most of pre-season with a bad back,” Grima told AAP on Wednesday.
“I got back and only lasted six or seven weeks and missed three months with my foot.
“I’ve always tried to balance life and footy pretty well.
“I do love the game and take it seriously. But I like to have stuff away from the game.
“I’ve got a little synthetic turf business.
“I’ve done a few little interviews here and there with SEN Radio and stuff.
“It’s an emotional rollercoaster when you’re injured so you’ve got to try to keep everything pretty level away from footy.
“I’m out of contract again this year. What will be, will be.
“Something should be able to get done hopefully.
“At least I’m in the team at the right time.
“There were times this year when I thought it was probably unlikely I’d be back playing in the seniors in September.
“Although I’m not setting the world on fire, I’m just trying to play a role in the team.”
Grima’s great mate Hamish McIntosh, the ex-Kangaroos’ ruckman who has played 19 games in his two seasons with Geelong including no matches in 2013, has been ruled out of Friday night’s knockout semi-final at the MCG because of a knee injury.
“For him it would be disappointing. He’s had a history of injury, a bit like myself,” Grima said.
“But my focus is on what we can do to hopefully get a good win on Friday night.”
Grima joked in a TV interview on Wednesday: “If I put in a stinker this week I’m probably out the door.”
