Sensational Stringer vaults Dons into top eight

A season-high five-goal haul from Jake Stringer against the Gold Coast has vaulted Essendon into the top eight at the end of the penultimate round of the home and away season.

After a bright start from the Suns, Stringer’s masterclass snuffed out any hopes of an upset result as the Bombers ran out 14. 14. (98) to 4. 6. (30) winners at GMHBA Stadium, their first win in Geelong since 1990.

Essendon’s win was followed by West Coast losing the Western Derby to Fremantle, putting Ben Rutten’s side in eighth position on the ladder with one round to go.

Stringer’s season-high against the Suns continued what has been one of the best seasons of his career, a year which has seen him now kick 37 goals in 17 matches.

Rutten was full of praise for his star man after yet another match-winning effort.

“He’s been a really strong contributor for us,” he said when asked about Stringer’s impact.

“I think we all know what Jake can do and is capable of, but I’ve just really been proud of the way he’s presented himself at training in particularly in the back half of the season. I think that has been the catalyst for his consistent form.

“Today, he hit the scoreboard. Last week he didn’t hit the scoreboard at all, but had a really strong performance for us.

“The main thing I’m pleased with Jake is he’s had a really well-rounded impact in most weeks.”

It was a disappointing result for the Suns, who came into the match riding the high of a buoyant victory over Carlton last week.

Suns coach Stuart Dew was less than impressed with his side, labelling the performance an “immature” one after the match.

After being tipped to be a bottom four side prior to the season, Essendon will book its spot in the top eight with a win over Collingwood in Round 23, while the Suns will wrap up their season against the Sydney Swans.

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