Jake Stringer’s second season as a Bomber certainly backed up his first as the powerful forward proved mightily dangerous throughout the year once again.
He again led the way in attack, booting 33 goals from 19 games to secure his second consecutive Leading Goalkicker Award.
As important as he is in the forward line, his ability to make an immediate impact as a clearance bull when thrown into the guts is also invaluable.
Stringer became an important on-field leader for the side this year, often lifting at important times and playing a key role in some of the Bombers’ biggest moments.
KEY STATS
Games: 19
Goals: 33
Average disposals: 12.3
Average contested possessions: 7.1
Average score involvements: 5.6
Average clearances: 2.1
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAKE!"
— AFL (@AFL) April 25, 2019
Jake Stringer's 200th career goal on his 25th birthday was just outstanding.#AFLDonsPies pic.twitter.com/1Sp9hAtPyk
BEST PERFORMANCE
Stringer was freakish against the Suns in round 19, single-handedly turning the game with a stunning burst on the ball.
He racked up six clearances, including four in the centre, during his wild stint in the middle and was stunning in attack with four brilliant goals.
His impact was remarkable, finishing up with 508 metres gained, eight score involvements and five inside 50s to go with his bag of goals and clearances from just 15 disposals.
MIGHTY MOMENT
Naturally, there were several memorable plays from Stringer’s season we could have picked, but his unbelievable banana goal at a crucial time against Adelaide in round 18 takes the cake.
30 points down with 27 minutes played in the second term, the Bombers needed to lift and Stringer brought the Dons back into the game. A long launch inside 50 from Dylan Clarke landed on the head of Stringer and his opponent Jake Kelly, with the exhilarating Bomber bringing the ball to ground and importantly keeping his feet to gather the ball on the bounce.
Stringer quickly assessed his options deep in the left forward pocket before audaciously having a crack at the goals with a right-foot checkside and sending the Sherrin through the narrowest of gaps for a goal. He then celebrated calmly, trotting briefly along the boundary line to soak up the comments from the home fans.
Supernatural Stringer #AFLCrowsDons pic.twitter.com/YdV8tLz6LW
— Essendon FC (@essendonfc) July 19, 2019
2020 VISION
Stringer was goalless on just three occasions this year in a strong display of his improved consistency and that is sure to continue to rise now that he has settled in at The Hangar.
Minor injuries held him back slightly this year, but a big pre-season with a clean bill of health and a few more senior games could see him take his game to another level in 2020, while more support in the forward line leaves him with the possibility of more time on the ball.