Essendon midfielder Dylan Shiel says teammate Jake Stringer has been unfairly targeted over his appearance this pre-season.
Stringer’s preparation was questioned on AFL 360 on Monday night, with co-host Mark Robinson labelling the forward’s injury run as “too common”.
But the 28-year-old forward’s unique physical attributes meant he would not look the same as other players out on the track, Shiel said.
“We’ve been pretty hard on Jake all through his career,” Shiel said.
“(There should be an) understanding that everyone is different; everyone’s body responds differently to training.
“What Jake lacks (in some areas) he makes up in other aspects of the game, with his ability to be strong and powerful.”
Stringer has been ruled out of Essendon’s round 1 clash against fierce rivals Hawthorn on Sunday, as he continues to battle hamstring tightness.
Shiel, who will play his 200th game in the Bombers’ season opener, conceded Stringer still had some work to do to return to match fitness.
“There’s certainly improvement there for him to make, but sometimes you get to a point in someone’s career where you’ve got to celebrate what they’re bringing and not so much shame them for what they’re lacking,” Shiel said.
“(Stringer’s physical assets are) things that a lot of players wish they could have.”
Stringer was restricted to just 15 games last season - something Robinson felt was becoming a common occurrence.
“He’s 28 years of age Jake Stringer. I don’t know if he’s a good player or a great player,” he said on AFL 360.
“He’s not a great player. He can do some great things but he’s just not on the park enough.
“He’s either very unlucky or he’s not preparing himself.”
But Essendon fans have plenty of reason for excitement, even in Stringer’s absence, with Shiel declaring prized father-son pick Alwyn Davey Jr “ready” for an AFL debut against the Hawks.
“He’s ready … some of the attributes he’s been showing on the track are exceptional,” Shiel said.
“He’s got incredible speed, agility – the pressure he brings in our forward line excites me.
“I’m hoping he gets the nod for round 1, because he’s going to bring some excitement to the club.”
