Essendon Football Club captain Dyson Heppell says new recruit Jake Stringer can add vital grunt to the team’s midfield ranks.

Heppell said the former Bulldog has “fitted in beautifully” and has been doing all that is asked of him so far in the pre-season.

“He’s been working a fair bit with the midfield group and he’s got that strong body and power around the ball, so I think that will add a real element to the group,” Heppell said.

“He’s been taking it all in his stride and all we can ask from him is that he works hard, trains hard and respects the culture and the club and that’s what he’s done.”

Coach John Worsfold has also been impressed by the 23-year-old’s strength in the midfield contingent.

“We know his unique attributes as a player and we’re seeing them on the training track already,” Worsfold said.

“We’ve been really impressed with his work around the midfield stoppage work as well, so it’s exciting.”

While Worsfold admitted no player was a lock for round one, he said he expects Stringer to be there if he maintains his efforts throughout the pre-season.

“I would expect that if he’s had a really solid pre-season and doesn’t miss a beat, that he would be in our best team,” he said.

Worsfold said fellow recruits from the NAB AFL Trade Period Adam Saad and Devon Smith were also making their mark at training.

“We already know they’re elite-level players, so they’re fitting in seamlessly,” Worsfold said.

“They’re all playing their role around the club, they’re sharing some of their knowledge and their information, but they’re starting to find out about the way we function here.”

Heppell has been thrilled by the trio’s efforts on the park so far.

“They’ve embraced the culture and the club and we’ve gotten around them as well, so it’s great to have them on board,” he said.