Essendon will continue to experiment with Jake Stringer in midfield

AFTER struggling in a new midfield role in two pre-season games, attack appears to be where Jake Stringer does his best work, but Essendon could be thinking otherwise.

ESSENDON has not ruled out recruit Jake Stringer reverting to a mainly forward role but says the midfield experiment will continue for now.

Stringer has spent most of pre-season training with the midfield group as coach John Worsfold looks to mould him into an explosive onballer.

However, the former Western Bulldogs forward has had limited impact in the middle in Essendon’s two pre-season matches, with the forward line still appearing to be where he does his best work.

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Bombers captain Dyson Heppell said the side would “for sure” persist with the midfield move but would find the right balance for Stringer’s role as the season progresses.

“It will be about finding that balance of how long he spends in the middle,” Heppell told the Herald Sun.

“We know he’s a dangerous forward as well so whether he’s majority forward and pinch-hitting in the middle, we’ll be able to find that balance as we go.

“He’s had an enormous pre-season, Jake. I’ve been really impressed the way he’s gone about it. He was quite good in Colac as well so I think we’ll see some strong performances from Jake this year.”

Essendon recruit Jake Stringer celebrates a goal against Geelong last weekend. Picture: Michael Klein

Heppell said the side would take “a bit of confidence” out of that four-point win over Geelong in Colac last weekend after a poor showing against Richmond in its first pre-season match.

It was not all good news from the clash with the Cats though, with the hunt now on to find a replacement for defender Martin Gleeson who has been ruled out for at least 12 weeks with a broken foot.

“It hurts a fair bit because he’s a great intercept mark and reads the play really well,” Heppell said of Gleeson.

“We’ll hopefully add someone else that can play a similar role.

“Matty Dea’s obviously the next one in line. He’s already got a lot of years under his belt as well so he brings a lot of experience.

“Mason Redman had a great pre-season, yet to play a game, but Mase is someone I feel can play a similar type role too.”

The Bombers tackle Adelaide in Round 1 at Etihad Stadium next Friday night.

Originally published as Essendon will continue to experiment with Jake Stringer in midfield