Essendon coach John Worsfold impressed by Jake Stringer but offering no guarantees

ESSENDON coach John Worsfold and captain Dyson Heppell have heaped praise on Jake Stringer for his efforts since joining the club but insist nothing is guaranteed and that the former Bulldog has a lot to prove.

Ex Bulldogs player, Jake Stringer (R) at Essendon AFL training in Melbourne, Monday, November 27. 2017. It is Essendon's first training sessions along with their new recruits for the 2018 season.(AAP Image/David Crosling) NO ARCHIVING

JAKE Stringer has impressed in his first few weeks as a Bomber, but coach John Worsfold says no player is a lock to play in Round 1.

The premiership-winning former Bulldog was traded to The Hangar in October and has been training with the midfield group so far this preseason.

But Worsfold said nothing is guaranteed, with a seamless preseason key to the 23-year-old winning a berth.

BRAVE NEW WORLD: Essendon buys esports team

BARGAIN BASEMENT: SuperCoach most affordable players 2018

“He’s training really well. We know his unique attributes as a player and we’re seeing them on the training track already,” he said.

“We’ve been really impressed with his midfield stoppage work as well, so it’s exciting.

“I wouldn’t say anyone is a Round 1 lock. We’ve got a pretty talented squad now and everyone is training really well.

Ex Bulldogs player, Jake Stringer (R) at Essendon AFL training

“I would expect that if he’s had a really solid preseason and doesn’t miss a beat, that he would be in our best team.”

Skipper Dyson Heppell said that Stringer has had plenty to offer both on and off-field, with “a few dinners” helping the new Bombers fit into the group.

“We’ve seen his ability,” Heppell said.

“He’s been working a fair bit with the midfield group and he’s got that strong body and power around the ball so I think that’ll add another element to the group.”

Worsfold said defence will remain a focus as the team plots its assault on 2018.

Dyson Heppell, coach John Worsfold and Lauren Morecroft of the Bombers pose at "The Hangar"

CONTRACT NEWS

He is out of contract at the end of next season but said discussions will not begin on a new deal until February.

“I’ve already diarised early February. It’s in my calendar to sit down and start to get around that stuff,” he said.

“Absolutely (I want to stay). My aim here is to be part of Essendon’s next premiership, so hopefully that means you only need a one year deal. But if it takes longer, we’ll put the work in to do that.”

NEW BEGINNINGS

Essendon today announced that it’s Tullamarine headquarters will be known as “The Hangar”.

Members have provided the money to offset a naming rights sponsorship and voted on the facility name.

“It’s something that we’ll all identify with,” Worsfold said.

“This (Tullamarine facility) has had a commercial name for a number of years and now it has an Essendon branded name which is wonderful for the footy club.

“It’s about saying this is about Essendon footy club — not just the players. It’s a big family, big supporter network. We’re rapt to have been able to have the opportunity to let our members name it.”

Dyson Heppell and Lauren Morecroft of the Bombers pose at "The Hangar"