Jake Stringer starred in his first season as a Bomber and he maintained that momentum with another terrific effort in the red and black this year.

The powerful forward was once again the leading goalkicker at the club with an impressive 33 goals from just 19 games and causing constant headaches for the opposition.

But it is his ability to have an immediate impact further up the ground that makes Stringer so valuable. His size and speed have made him a clearance bull, while his knack of shaking tackles and finding ways out of trouble can break games open and draw teammates into the game.

Few players can pull off the outrageous goals that the always confident and enthusiastic Stringer repeatedly boots and he is equally effective in the air and with the ball on the deck.

A genuine leader on the field, the former Bulldog has become one of the club’s most important players in a short time and is sure to poll well in this year’s Crichton Medal.

SEASON AVERAGES

Disposals: 12.3

Contested possessions: 7.1

Total goals: 33

Score involvements: 5.6

Inside 50s: 3 

CLUB RANKING (AVE. PER GAME)

1st – Goals, shots at goal (3.9), marks inside 50 (1.6)

3rd – Score involvements (5.6)

5th – Centre clearances (1.2)

TOP THREE PERFORMANCES 

Round 6 vs Collingwood 

Some would say Stringer is a man built for the big stage and he showed that on Anzac Day on his 25th birthday this year. He was at his powerful and damaging best against the Magpies in the narrow loss, gathering 16 disposals, 14 contested possessions, three contested marks two goals and two goal assists.

Round 17 vs North Melbourne

While Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti was ultimately the hero in the Bombers’ thrilling last-gasp victory over the Kangaroos, Stringer’s efforts should not be forgotten. He claimed 16 disposals, nine contested possessions, 407 metres gained, eight score involvements, five inside 50s, three clearances and three goals.

View this post on Instagram

Brute force by Stringer #AFLDonsNorth

A post shared by Essendon Football Club (@essendonfc) on

Round 19 vs Gold Coast 

With the game, and the season, on the line, Stringer turned the game against the Suns. Thrown onto the ball, the star Bomber lit up Metricon Stadium in a dazzling display of strength and skill, finishing the game with 15 disposals, nine contested possessions, six clearances (four in the centre), five inside 50s, 508 metres gained and eight score involvements including four goals.

The Crichton Medal will be held at The Plenary on Tuesday, October 1. Click on the image below to secure your tickets.