Forward Jake Stringer will not be available for Essendon’s opening round clash against Hawthorn.

The Bombers’ excitement-machine succumbed to a hamstring strain in the lead-up to the practice game against the Gold Coast Suns.

Stringer has progressively built up his training loads to ensure he has unrestricted training with the main group.

General Manager of Performance Daniel McPherson said the 28-year-old has put in a solid two-week block of running and kicking with his injury progressing well.

“Our performance team have put together a comprehensive plan with Jake to get him back to his best post injury. He participated in a strong session on Saturday, and we want to make sure he has block of full training with the main group before he is available for selection,” McPherson said.

“It’s a long season ahead and we want to ensure Jake is fully ready to go when he returns to play, so we won’t be rushing him back.”

Small forward Matt Guelfi and midfielder Kyle Langford did their round one selection chances no harm following impressive performances in the VFL practice match against Frankston on Saturday.

Dyson Heppell sprained his foot against Gold Coast and is progressing well in his return. He will be assessed this week on his availability for selection against Hawthorn.

Second-year midfielder Ben Hobbs is making strong progress in his recovery from a calf strain.

The 19-year-old will continue to build fitness as he looks to re-join main training this week.

“Ben’s calf has recovered well, and he has progressed with running and kicking drills,” McPherson said.

“He has been on a modified program over the last few weeks but will integrate back into full training this week.”

Midfielder Jye Caldwell sprained his ankle in the side’s second practice match against St Kilda and will be assessed for selection this week.

“Jye suffered a minor sprained ankle against St Kilda. He’s been really diligent with his rehabilitation which has enabled him to return to running in a short amount of time. He has satisfied all the milestones set by the high-performance team and will reintegrate into the main group this week,” McPherson said.

Former first-round pick Nik Cox (back) and the versatile James Stewart (foot) are both progressing steadily through their respective rehab programs but remain several weeks away from being ready to return to full training.