Essendon midfielder Dylan Shiel has known as on critics to cease shaming Jake Stringer, saying it is time to rejoice what the highly effective huge man brings fairly than what he lacks.
Stringer will miss Essendon’s round-one conflict with Hawthorn on the MCG on Sunday after failing to beat a hamstring niggle.
The 28-year-old has been troubled by a raft of accidents throughout his five-year stint on the Bombers, with some critics questioning his dedication to health requirements.
Shiel deflected a query about whether or not Stringer had turned as much as pre-season coaching out of form and stated it was time for individuals to cease shaming the 192cm, 92kg star.
“We’ve been pretty hard on Jake all through his career,” Shiel instructed reporters on Wednesday.
“(There needs to be an) understanding that everyone is different, everyone’s body responds differently to training.
“What Jake lacks (in some areas) he makes up in different features of the sport, along with his means to be sturdy and highly effective.
“They’re things that a lot of players wish they could have.
“There’s actually enchancment there for him to make however typically you get to some extent in somebody’s profession the place you have to rejoice what they’re bringing and never a lot shaming them for what they’re missing.”
Dyson Heppell (sprained foot) remains in doubt for Sunday’s clash with the Hawks, but forward Alwyn Davey is firming for an AFL debut.
“He’s prepared,” Shiel said of the 19-year-old speedster. “Some of his attributes he is been displaying on the observe are distinctive.
“He’s got incredible speed, agility – the pressure he brings in our forward line excites me.
“I’m hoping he will get the nod for spherical one, as a result of he’ll deliver some pleasure to the membership.”
Shiel will reach his 200-match milestone on Sunday, in a match that marks the official start of the Brad Scott era at Essendon.
The 30-year-old spent the first seven seasons of his career at GWS before making the switch to Essendon at the end of 2018.
Shiel said the birth of his first-born daughter Sloane in November had changed his perspective on life and footy.
“I used to be an important factor in my life previous to my child arriving,” he stated.
“In an immediate she grew to become an important factor.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
