By Jon Pierik
Essendon star Jake Stringer has revealed he is now pain free and expects to play in round one, but it has emerged that Richmond premiership defender Nick Vlastuin is in doubt for the Tigers’ season-opener.
Stringer had his pre-season hampered by a groin complaint early in the new year. He was put on lighter training duties last month and spent time away from the main group.
Essendon’s Jake Stringer says he’s pain free and ready for round one.Credit: Getty Images
The Bombers released a statement at the time confirming Stringer would miss the pre-season matches, including Saturday night’s community series clash against St Kilda.
Speaking at the Fox Footy season launch on Wednesday, Stringer reaffirmed he will miss the Saints’ clash but said he was on target to meet Geelong in round one.
“I won’t play this weekend, but it’s all systems go for round one. I am back running and pain free. Everything is looking good,” he said.
“As long as nothing dramatic happens in the next couple of weeks, I will be there in round one.”
However, Vlastuin is in doubt to face Carlton in their season-opener, having hurt his hamstring “with his last kick” in the clash against Geelong last weekend.
Vlastuin said that he was fighting to be fit in time to take on the Blues, coming as the Tigers seek amends for last season’s flame-out.
His potential absence would be a major blow for the Tigers, for his toughness and creativity across half-back are important facets in his team’s battle plan.
Stringer is a key piece of the Bombers’ bid to return to September and win their first final since 2004. Club great Matthew Lloyd has turned the spotlight on the club, declaring it’s time to end a drought which extends back to having beaten Melbourne in an elimination final when Kevin Sheedy was still coach.
Nick Vlastuin chases down Patrick Dangerfield in last weekend’s practice match, in which Vlastuin sustained a late injury.Credit: Getty Images
Stringer, the match-winning forward-midfielder, said the Bombers had much work to do before that was possible.
“We have to get there first. There are 22 games before that, so we will just concentrate on this weekend,” he said.
Stringer, a dynamic forward, led the Bombers with 41 goals last season, and is also a key weapon at centre bounces where his big frame is used to help win the clearances.
Having improved his fitness last season, when he inked a contract extension, Stringer revealed he is likely to spend more time in the midfield this season.
“I haven’t been out there playing or training much so, as long as I get out there. I think it will be a pretty good mix between some midfield time, a bit more midfield this year,” he said.
“We have a couple of young exciting forwards coming through which is good so, hopefully, I don’t have to kick too many.”
Harry Jones, with 20 goals last season, is one youngster the Bombers hope can continue to improve. Experienced former Gold Coast Sun Peter Wright, having booted 29 goals last season with the Bombers, is another hoping for a strong campaign.
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