This was published 6 years ago
Stringer enjoying himself, and Essendon's revival
By Peter Ryan
Jake Stringer hopes his children Milla and Arlo will run out with him for his 100th game before the blockbuster clash against Richmond at the MCG on Saturday night .
The 24-year-old said it would mean the world to him to have his daughters by his side when he breaks the banner as they had not seen him play for the Bombers so far this season.
Jake Stringer with Indigenous performers at the Dreamtime at the 'G rehearsal.Credit: Joe Armao
"Fingers crossed I can run out with them on Saturday night and have a very special moment with them," Stringer said.
"It means the world to me to have [my] two daughters there. They are my whole world so to have them there and be able to run out with them and give them a hug and kiss and spend some time with them after the game would be pretty magical for me."
Stringer was traded from the Western Bulldogs to Essendon amid personal turmoil as he split from partner Abby Gilmore, the mother of his two children.
After struggling for form in the early part of the season as the Bombers battled, he has spent increased time in the midfield during the past two games with his return to form coinciding with the Bombers winning two games on the trot.
He laughed off suggestions that calls to drop him after round eight might have affected his outlook – conceding he had people wanting to drop him his whole career – however he did admit that being able to spend time inside the middle in short bursts had a positive effect on his confidence.
Stringer fights his way clear from several GWS opponents.Credit: AAP
"Sometimes you need only three or four minutes to be able to have an impact and get yourself involved in the game," Stringer said.
The former Bulldog, who played in a premiership in 2016 after being All-Australian in 2015, said he was enjoying his football more than he had in previous years.
"Everyone goes through their struggles in their life and I have had mine but I feel like I am in a good place now and it is starting to show on the footy field," Stringer said.
Jake Stringer leaves the field after Essendon's win over GWS.Credit: AAP
A crowd of 90,000 is expected for the Dreamtime at the 'G game with the Tigers second on the ladder and the Bombers rediscovering their mojo.
Stringer said he never doubted his new side would turn their horror patch around.
"We just needed to relax a little bit and find our roles," Stringer said.