Essendon may wait to see Tex Wanganeen and Nick Martin play against the Western Bulldogs before they decide who fills their vacant list spots ahead of the supplementary selection period (SSP) deadline on March 9 as they face being without match-winner Jake Stringer in the lead-up to round one because of groin pain.
The Bombers will also be without livewire forward Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti – who made an appearance at the club to train with the rehab group before their intra-club match – as he remains outside the program while he deals with personal issues.
Tex Wanganeen in action during the Bombers’ intra-club clash on Wednesday.Credit:Getty Images
Assistant coach Dale Tapping said Wanganeen, and Martin, who kicked four goals, both showed they were capable of filling that spot, with delisted Bomber Dylan Clarke also training in the hope of landing a spot.
“Pre-Christmas [Wanganeen] was probably a little bit off in terms of just his fitness and conditioning, but he has got terrific game sense, and he has been consistent on the track and we are just starting to see positive signs,” Tapping said.
The bigger concern is the 27-year-old Stringer, with the club announcing he was unlikely to take part in any of the Bombers’ pre-season matches.
Essendon star Jake Stringer has been grounded during the AFL pre-season.Credit:Getty Images
Bombers football manager Josh Mahoney said Stringer would back off his training this week before attempting to build his loads before round one.
“Jake Stringer reported some groin pain two weeks ago and after having training modified for a week without significant improvement, it was decided that, given the time of the year, we would take this time to get it fully right,” Mahoney said.
“Jake will take the opportunity for a week of rest before building back up over the next few weeks. It is unlikely that Jake will play in a pre-season game.”
Bombers star Stringer grounded in pre-season, Wanganeen battles for a list spot
Source: Philippines Alive
