Essendon defender Aaron Francis back at training after taking personal leave away from the club

ESSENDON young gun Aaron Francis has returned to the club to training a month after taking leave from the club to deal with a mental health issue but whether he’s back for good remains to be seen.

Aaron Francis has returned to Essendon training after taking time away from the club. Picture: Jason Edwards

ESSENDON defender Aaron Francis has returned to training after spending more than a month on personal leave.

The 20-year-old, who has been dealing with a mental health issue, reunited with his teammates at their Tullamarine base on Friday.

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It is a major boost for the Bombers, who had been uncertain whether Francis would return to the club at all this season.

“It’s fantastic. Obviously Aaron’s been away for a few weeks now. To see him in at the club with a big smile on his face is great,” defender Michael Hurley said.

“He’s obviously done a lot of work away from the club and he’s looking really good.

Aaron Francis has returned to Essendon training after taking time away from the club. Picture: Jason Edwards

“I had a few texts here and there with Aaron. I know ‘Hepp’ (captain Dyson Heppell) caught up with him a couple of times, (as well as) the guys that are closer with him.

“He’s looking really well, he’s looking really happy and it’s great to have him back.”

Francis has played just five games since being taken with the No.6 pick in the 2015 national draft.

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The Bombers plan to ease Francis back into AFL life, with Hurley unsure whether the talented youngster will be back on a permanent basis.

“I think they’ll just take it step by step,” Hurley said.

“Aaron will work through that with the right people.

Aaron Francis has been dealing with a mental health issue. Picture: Michael Klein

“Hopefully it’s full-time but for him, if that’s only part-time, so be it. It’s just fantastic to have him back in the club and looking really well.”

Bombers coach John Worsfold last month said Francis had been unhappy for some time.

Francis could be earmarked to fill in for injured defender Marty Gleeson when he eventually returns to the field.

Gleeson will miss the first half of the season after undergoing foot surgery.

“He plays a similar role to Marty, that intercepting defender,” Hurley said. “Hopefully we can get him back on the track, get him fit again and hopefully he can play some senior footy later on in the year.”