Jake Stringer is on a modified program due to a groin strain and is expected to return to full training in the new year.
Electric midfielder Essendon’s 2022 season was interrupted by numerous problems, although he played the last 11 games of the year.
He dealt with a groin injury towards the end of the season, which is understood to still be hampering him.
Essendon’s new performance general manager Daniel McPherson admits Stringer has a lot going for him but said early signs have been encouraging from the 28-year-old.
“Yeah, Jake’s doing well, he finished the season with some groin issues and he’s worked his way up during the offseason,” said McPherson, who was selected in early November. SEN Mornings.
“What has been impressive about Jake is that he was here much sooner than he needed or required to be. His first official day that he was supposed to return was yesterday, but we’ve seen him regularly for the past three or four weeks.
“He’s working a little bit to catch up, obviously we don’t need him playing in the next three or four weeks, we’re looking at a little bit longer game for Jake.
“He’s got a bit of work to do, but he’s progressing pretty well right now.”
Stringer also battled a hamstring injury in 2022, a season in which he played 15 games.
2022 was a drop from the previous year for Stringer. The former Bulldog picked up eight votes in the last nine rounds of 2021 with some game-changing performances, but he didn’t have quite the same influence in the year just ended.
Port Adelaide 300 player Kane Cornes suggested Stringer’s frame could be behind star Bomber not making the most of it.
“It just looks too heavy. I say this many times and get squashed for saying it, but I saw pictures of him going back to training and he looks 20 pounds heavier than he should be,” Cornes said. SEN Sports Day.
“It’s no wonder why Jake Stringer hasn’t reached Christian Petracca levels when you could argue talent equals, but that’s what he’s going to have to live with and maybe he just doesn’t want to be the best he can be.” .
Meanwhile, Brownlow medalist Gerard Healy added that he was “really worried” about Stringer’s 2023 season.
“We’ve had too many examples over the years of them (smile injuries) hanging out all season,” the former Swan explained.
New Essendon manager Brad Scott was given the task of delivering a tougher pre-season for the Bombers’ players after the club’s external review found the players were not fit enough.
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