Teammates rallied around Jake Stringer through recent criticism of his training standards, as it emerged the enigmatic forward had battled the lingering impacts of concussion.
Stringer revealed after his match-shaping four goals against Greater Western Sydney on Sunday – his second game of the season – that his summer had been hampered by a head knock he endured against Richmond in round 23 last year. He took a knee to the back of his head from Marlion Pickett, who was attempting to leap over the grounded Stringer in pursuit of Zac Merrett.
Stringer, 28, said the injury meant he had been unable to train properly for up to 16 weeks until December, but was then able to resume, before straining a hamstring on the eve of the season.
Back in business: Jake Stringer celebrates kicking a goal against the Giants.Credit: AFL Photos
He missed the opening fortnight of the new campaign, and endured public criticism of his training standards. He booted one goal against St Kilda in round three, but displayed his brilliance against the Gold Coast Suns on Sunday with a booming torpedo goal, the Bombers now enjoying a 3-1 win-loss record heading into Gather Round in South Australia.
The fall-out of the concussion had been kept publicly quiet, but defender Jordan Ridley said on Monday teammates were aware of Stringer’s battle.
Concussed: Jake Stringer took months to recover fully after a major head knock against Richmond in round 23 last year.Credit: Getty Images
“He certainly struggled with that for a little while, as he mentioned,” Ridley said on 3AW.
“I think he was super [on Sunday]. He showed how important a player he can be for us.”
Ridley said the Bombers had supported the 174-game veteran through criticism of his training standards, coming as coach Brad Scott refused to play him while he was not yet match fit.
“It can be a really tough position to be in, and it can be a lonely place sometimes. We certainly rallied around him. We really value Jake in what he brings to the table,” Ridley said.
Stringer, who can turn games up forward and when injected into the midfield, was delighted to have rediscovered his touch. However, he did also finish with six behinds, on a wayward kicking afternoon for the Bombers, who finished with 11.22.
“It would have been nice to not kick so many behinds. It was obviously pleasing. I am just trying to do my part for the team. That’s all I can do each week,” Stringer said.
The Bombers face top-of-the-table Melbourne at Adelaide Oval on Saturday, before another major test against Collingwood on Anzac Day. They will have at least one change to make this week, as Sam Weideman was concussed.
