Jake Stringer opens up on move from Bombers to finals bound GWS Giants

In sensational form and feeling settled in Sydney, Jake Stringer concedes his hunger for finals football helped drive his decision to leave the Bombers, as he prepares to meet his former teammates for the first time.

Jake Stringer has admitted joining a club that would more than likely be playing in September contributed to his departure from Essendon as he prepares to play his former side for the first time on Thursday night.

Stringer, 31, has been in sensational form for the Giants over the past month since his return to the team from a hamstring strain.

He has kicked seven goals in two and a half games, including a season-high four goals in last week’s win against Geelong. The former Bomber looks to have finally found his groove at GWS and is relishing the chance to just play a role alongside the likes of Jesse Hogan and Aaron Cadman, rather than having to lead the forward line.

“When I chose to come to the Giants, I was really looking forward to being able to play with Toby Greene, Aaron Cadman, Jesse Hogan, Darcy Jones, Jake Riccardi, the list goes on and on,” Stringer said.

Jake Stringer looks to have found his groove at GWS. Picture: Brett Costello

“I feel like we all hit it off really well in the pre-season. It’s always going to take a bit of time in games, but I feel like we’re starting to really get in the flow and know each other’s game. It’s starting to click.

“They had their heartbreak (in finals) last year, and it was definitely one of the main reasons why I wanted to come here, to go to a team that was going to be there in the pointy end.

“There’s still six or seven games left, so we’ve got a lot of work to do before then, and hopefully we can set ourselves up.”

Despite a couple of injury issues throughout the year, Stringer is now feeling the best he has over the past 12 months.

A large part of that belief comes from Adam Kingsley’s decision to give him an extra fortnight on the sidelines to train after his hamstring strain. It’s a luxury the Giants can afford given their star-studded forward line, but it was also a decision Stringer was never going to argue.

Stringer declares he was lured to the Giants with finals on his mind. Picture: Phil Hillyard

And playing with the Giants’ stars. Picture: Brett Costello

And it means that even with just a five-day turnaround ahead of the Essendon clash, the former Bomber is chomping at the bit to take on his old teammates.

“Have you seen the size of Kingers? It wasn’t much of a conversation, I’ll tell you that,” Stringer joked.

“He flagged it to me very early, so I was well aware. I just knew I had to put my head down and work hard for those three or four weeks. I feel like I’m starting to get the rewards now.

“Yeah, who wouldn’t want to play against your old club? I feel like I’m in a really good spot at the minute. Pulled up really well from the game, probably the best I have from any game. I don’t know if that’s because we’ve got Essendon this week or not, but I’m definitely feeling like I’ve had a good couple of weeks.”

It’s a completely different tale at the Bombers, who are currently on a six-game losing streak as they deal with a massive injury crisis.

Stringer is set for a date with his former team. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL via Getty Images

Although Stringer concedes he feels sorry for his former side, it won’t change the Giants’ defensive-first approach to the game as they look to put themselves in the frame for an unlikely top-four finish.

“I played seven or eight years with some of those guys that have gone down with long-term injuries,” Stringer said. “My heart goes out to them, but it’s also part of the game.

“I talk to Jayden Laverde pretty much daily, so nothing’s changed there. But I’m sure there’ll be a couple (more messages) roll through later in the week.

“It’s giving opportunity to young guys that might not have got a go. We won’t be going out Thursday night taking them lightly; we’ll be going out there thinking they’re full strength and getting after it.

“A lot of our stuff’s based around defence, and our offence will come off the back of that. We’ve got a potent forward line, so if we’re doing the defensive things well, the offence will take care of itself, and it has the past five or six weeks.”

Originally published as Jake Stringer opens up on move from Bombers to finals bound GWS Giants