ESSENDON expects great improvement from Jake Stringer across the season, but coach John Worsfold is content with how the star recruit is faring two games into his career at his new club.
Meanwhile, Worsfold confirmed important duo Orazio Fantasia (knee) and David Myers (calf) would be in the frame for selection – provided they get through training on Thursday – for the game against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Star defender Michael Hurley barely trained on Thursday morning, jogging laps before disappearing inside but the Bombers are confident he will be fit to take his place in the side against the Dogs.
Stringer is set to face his former side for the first time on Sunday and will be keen to bounce back following a quiet game against Fremantle in round two.
The 23-year-old was held goalless against the Dockers and gathered just nine disposals as the Bombers fell to a 16-point loss in the west last Saturday night.
That followed a better performance against Adelaide in round one when he contributed 16 touches in the Bombers' first-up win.
"I think Jake's going OK. We're really pleased with his attitude and how he's embracing learning the way we want him to play and his role," Worsfold said when asked about Stringer's performance.
"I reckon we're going to see improvement week in, week out over a long period of time from Jake. He's going to do some spectacular stuff at times because that's the type of player he is.
"But we want him to just play his role and do the basics consistently for us and be part of the way our team wants to play."
Stringer trained with the midfield group at the club's training base in Tullamarine and was prominent, without starring, in the Bombers' stint of match simulation.
Worsfold said the club was still deciding whether to bring Fantasia, who had minor surgery before the start of the season, straight back into the senior side.
"He is a chance to return," Worsfold said.
"He did a pretty big training session last weekend. He's got to get through main training (on Thursday) and then we've got to weigh up whether we want to bring him straight back into the AFL or whether we want him to have a hit-out at the lower level first.
"He's done enough to push into playing a full game of footy."
Worsfold said Myers would also be considered by the match committee, but said youngster Jayden Laverde would most likely play at VFL level as he continues his comeback from a hamstring injury.
"Jayden probably needs a little bit more of a hit-out and Myers needs to get through training today as well. If he gets through training today he's probably closer than Jayden," Worsfold said.
Young midfielder Matt Guelfi has impressed Worsfold with his performances at VFL level, but will have to wait at least another week before making his AFL debut.
