Essendon duo Jake Stringer and Mason Redman were separated by teammates and coaches on Friday after clashing during an intense training session at Tullamarine.
The Herald Sun reported Stringer and Redman got into a minor push and shove following a marking contest, prompting teammates to step in.
Round 1
Coach Brad Scott and new specialist coach Travis Cloke were also seen near the pair after the scuffle. Stringer and Redman then moved apart and the session continued. It comes after Essendon also confirmed top draft selection Elijah Tsatas would undergo knee surgery. Bombers forward Matt Guelfi earlier this week hinted Stringer would play closer to goal this season after years of pinch-hitting at centre bounces. “He’s got an awesome footy brain. He helps me so much,” Guelfi told 10 News First. “When he’s out there, he’s directing and getting himself in good position. We love having him down there (in the forward line), fit and out there. “That (close to goal) is where we’re going to play him more this year. He’s exciting. If he’s anywhere around the goals and gets a touch, it ends up in a goal.” Scott takes the coaching reins from Ben Rutten, who was sacked after the Bombers finished 15th with seven wins last year. Bombers midfielder Dylan Shiel this week said Scott was “keen to have each player play in their preferred position, where they play their best footy”, adding McGrath might spend more time in the backline. “McGrath’s spending a bit of time with defence. He finished off the season playing behind the ball anyway,” Shiel told SEN’s Sportsday. “Andy has the ability to do both that in defence and midfield, so he’s a versatile player. I’m excited for his season, he’s training well, he’s running really well, it’s exciting for him. “We’re trying to improve all parts of our game. Brad has got a really good grasp on what the modern game looks like. “There’s been a few tweaks with how we’re trying to defend and how we’re trying to attack.”
