They love spending time together but on the field it’s the time apart that makes the Essendon forward line a dynamic combination, according to James Stewart.

The former Giant has played 11 games so far in his first season as a Bomber.

The Dons boast a unique forward set up with three genuine marking options (Stewart, Joe Daniher, Cale Hooker).

Stewart told Bomber Radio creating space and not getting in each other’s way has been a key part behind the Bombers success in the forward half in recent months.

“It’s just about giving each other a bit of isolation at times so we can do our work,” Stewart said.

“We’re obviously strong one on one players, including the ‘smalls’, so to be able to get that isolation is really important.”

Essendon is the fourth highest scoring side this season with three players (Daniher 53 goals, Orazio Fantasia 38 goals and Hooker 33 goals) among the top 20 goal kickers in the competition.

“It has been good to get a bit of continuity amongst the group,” Stewart said.

“It is still a young forward line which excites me … it’s really exciting and I think when we get our offence going it’s really good. 

“It has come along pretty quickly and that’s pleasing – we’ve still got a lot to improve on but we’ve still got that core group.”

Hayden Skipworth is the Performance Coach responsible for the guiding the development of the forward line.

Stewart said his mentor is able to provide a great balance between hard work, teaching and enjoyment.

“He’s been super for my development – I pop in nearly every day to speak to him,” Stewart said. 

“I think we have really similar views on the game.

"The role I’m playing within the team is really clear.

“We’ve been improving and the way he’s teaching is really clear.

“It’s exciting and a fun group to be a part of – that’s Skippy’s mantra to really have fun and enjoy your footy, which I love.”

Stewart also got some recent advice from his first AFL Coach.

The 23 year old made his debut for the Giants in 2013 in Kevin Sheedy’s last game as an AFL Coach.

The pair are now reunited at the Bombers with Stewart and a group of teammates recently sitting down with the coaching Legend. 

“I did get some really good feedback and a lot of the stuff complements the feedback I’ve had within the Club,” Stewart said. 

“He’s obviously such a revered figure and sees the game so well.

“We had a good chat – it was really open and honest … it was more about the long term and you have to realise how quickly your footy career goes.”