In news that’s sure to give opposition coaches the shivers, Bulldogs assistant coach Daniel Giansiracusa thinks third year forward Jake Stringer still has ‘a lot’ of improvement in him.
Speaking with the Herald Sun on Monday, Giansiracusa said that despite a 56 goal season and maiden All-Australian selection, he expects the 21-year-old Stringer to continue to add to his game as he matures as a footballer.
“He is a rare talent,” Giansircusa said.
“Guys who have that talent who work the hardest are the ones that reach the level they want to.
“He has had another big pre-season. He doesn’t miss a beat in terms of sessions and he’s done every one.
“Sometimes you forget he is a third-year player.’’
Stringer finished fifth in the Coleman Medal in 2015, just one goal behind Hawthorn’s Jack Gunston in fourth place, but equally as impressive was that Stringer finished 19th in the League for goal assists, highlighting not only his team-first credentials, but how accomplished he is in front of goal.
But it’s the way he gets his goals that has everyone talking about ‘The Package.”
According to Champion Data, 33% of Stringer’s goals came from snap shots and 41% were unassisted, ranking him number one in both categories amongst the League’s top 25 goal kickers.
“We know how dangerous he is in front of goal, [but] teams will combat that and he has to find ways to get free.
“We don’t want to rush him, but we want to see constant improvement.”
As for what comes next for one of the game’s most exciting forwards, the answer might surprise some: more midfield time.
“He will go into the midfield a bit this season but he has to work on that tank and he’s done that. He has gone up a cog in that space — 10 or 15 per cent and he’s still got work to do.”
“He is such a powerful beast and when he puts his mind to things he is pretty hard to stop,’’