GWS Giants learning the full Jake Stringer Experience after forward’s hamstring injury

Bombers and Dogs fans know the Jake Stringer Experience well. Now, the Giants are learning the highs and lows of The Package – are we any closer to learning how he fits in for GWS?

Jake Stringer has told teammates he only has a minor hamstring strain as he delivered a full hour of the Jake Stringer Experience for GWS on Sunday.

The former Essendon and Western Bulldogs forward started Sunday’s crucial game against Geelong in superb touch, with two first quarter goals as he appeared on track for his best game yet in orange.

Then by half-time he was finished, subbed off with a strapped up right hamstring.

He watched on as forward mate Jesse Hogan monstered the Cats for a famous fifth win on the trot in Geelong.

Stringer had missed 16 matches in his career before the Cats clash with hamstring injuries.

It is a tale Dons and Dogs fans know well.

He teases stardom and busts through opponents, like when he managed to shrug off the much taller Connor O’Sullivan and kick a trademark first term goal.

Stringer booted another one later in that term from long range and it looked like he had finally found his feet at his third team after a quiet start.

After starting as the sub, Stringer booted a couple of late goals against Sydney last week and had five goals in 10 disposals across two weeks when he limped to the bench with a right hamstring injury.

Jake Stringer looked on before he was subbed out against the Cats. Picture: Josh Chadwick/Getty Images.

He missed the opening two games of the year through hamstring woes.

Given his history, it is hard to see him playing in the next month, but he was positive with teammates post-match.

“It’s been a bit of a frustrating year for ‘String’ as well,” Hogan said.

“He is just struggling a bit with continuity but he came on last week as the sub and kicked three and started the game tonight and kicked two.

“It’s bitterly disappointing for him but these things happen. There is still a lot of footy to be played. He thinks it is only a minor, grade one (level injury) so he will be back but it is frustrating for him. He will get past it and work through it but it is disappointing for us and for Jake.”

Giants coach Adam Kingsley was hopeful post-match the injury was minor as he also lamented the lack of continuity his recruit has had this year.

When the Bombers happily held the door open and thanked Stringer on the way to western Sydney in October, he felt superfluous to requirements at his new home.

Unlike at Essendon, where Stringer was cast at the main man in the forward line and asked to shoulder a big burden, at GWS he was supposed to be the icing on the cake.

In the opening half on Sunday, Stringer seemed to have snuck into the niche as the vitally important second banana to Hogan.

Jesse Hogan kicked seven goals on Sunday. Picture: Michael Klein

At some point as the Cats pushed and pushed, it felt like the Giants would need somebody to stand up to help Hogan.

Jake Riccardi eventually kicked the winning goal, but really, Hogan won the game by himself.

He took down both Sam De Koning and O’Sullivan, sometimes at the same time, on the way to a seven-goal haul.

In what had been an up and down season so far, the Giants just pipped the Cats once again at GMHBA Stadium to steady their season.

And once again Stringer had flashed brilliance and then disappeared.

It remains to be seen how important the ex-Don and Dog will be in orange this year.

Originally published as GWS Giants learning the full Jake Stringer Experience after forward’s hamstring injury