Brad Scott has backed Nathan Grima to make a successful return to football, despite initial concerns about his wellbeing.

Grima will become Essendon’s ninth top-up player for 2016, on a one-year-deal.

"My first thought was concern for his welfare because he's had some pretty significant back injuries over the journey and really at the end of last year our discussion was mostly around he's wellbeing in life, not just in sport," Scott said on SEN.

Grima announced his retirement in July last year due to a serious back injury, but is understood to have undergone medical testing at the Bombers in recent weeks.

"I wanted to make sure he was in the best medical hands to live a fulfilling life and to be able to pick up his kids when that day comes, so it was a surprise to me that we went from that conversation to Narni playing again.

"Full credit to him in terms of his passion for the game and he just has this burning desire to go out there and compete, and I've always regarded him as the ultimate competitor.

"Who be it for anyone to question this decision that he's made, we fully support him and we wish him all the best.”