Bombers stars Stringer and Shiel sidelined

Shayne Hope | February 16, 2022

Essendon star Jake Stringer is unlikely to feature in any practice games before the start of the AFL season and is in doubt for round one because of a groin issue.

The 27-year-old match-winner reported groin soreness two weeks ago and had his training program modified but did not show significant improvement.

His workload has been reduced further, with the Bombers aiming to build up Stringer’s program over the next few weeks.

Essendon assistant coach Dale Tapping said the setback was “not ideal” but is hopeful Stringer will be fit to play in the round one showdown with Geelong on March 19.

“You want all your players playing in the practice matches, but he’s an experienced player and he’s had a really good pre-season,” Tapping said.

“His platform of pre-season has been really strong, so a few weeks off to manage this and make sure we get it right … I don’t think it’s disastrous for him.

“I think he can realign himself really quickly with the program when he gets fully fit.”

Stringer and gun midfielder Dylan Shiel (quadriceps) both sat out Essendon’s intra-club match at Tullamarine on Wednesday morning.

Shiel may return in next week’s practice match against the Western Bulldogs.

But Stringer has already been ruled out of that match and is unlikely to play in the official pre-season fixture against St Kilda on March 5.

Stringer was the Bombers’ leading goalkicker with 41 majors last season and will figure in a slightly different attacking set-up this season, with Aaron Francis set to feature as a marking option alongside Peter Wright.

Subiaco forward Nick Martin put his hand up with a four-goal haul in the intra-club hit-out as he chases a spot on Essendon’s list through the pre-season supplemental selection period.

Fellow list hopeful Tex Wanganeen also showed glimpses of his potential, as did top draftee Ben Hobbs (No.13 overall), who ran through the midfield.

Ball-magnets Zach Merrett and Andrew McGrath spent time in creative roles across half-back, while Jye Caldwell caught the eye during the first-half before being managed.

Cian McBride sent a scare through the camp when he hurt a lower leg but returned to action soon afterwards.

Meanwhile, fan favourite Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti has returned to Essendon after being granted a period of leave due to personal reasons.

McDonald-Tipungwuti joined in training on Wednesday with the Bombers’ rehabilitation group but there is no set time frame on his playing return just yet.

Harrison Jones, Kyle Langford and Zach Reid also missed the intra-club match, along with experienced defender Michael Hurley, who is attempting to return from a serious hip infection.