Stringer impresses

JAKE Stringer provided a timely reminder of his vast talent and left Essendon coach John Worsfold excited by his wealth of attacking options for the AFL season.

Stringer slotted two brilliant goals as the Bombers ran out 15.11 (101) to 15.7 (97) winners against Geelong in Colac.

The former Western Bulldogs forward lined up at the opening stoppage and showed glimpses of the explosive speed that is likely to earn him regular midfield time.

But it was in front of goal where Stringer flourished, gathering the ball deep in the forward pocket midway through the opening term and slotting an audacious banana.

His second major was less spectacular but still a highlight — an off-balance snap on the run from 30m out in the third quarter.

Fellow recruit Devon Smith also spent time rotating between the midfield and forward line, providing the already high-scoring Bombers with another avenue to attack.

“We’ve got a forward line that we know is fairly dangerous with the players that go through there,” Worsfold said.

“Some of our midfielders are starting to get a bit more dangerous in terms of attacking the game from there as well, which is great. They shared the load really well I thought.”

The only major negative for the Bombers was an injury to defender Martin Gleeson, who was carried off after rolling his ankle in the fourth quarter.