Essendon vice-captain Zach Merrett is confident star forward Jake Stringer will be available for the start of the Bombers’ three-week litmus test to open the season.
A groin injury grounded Stringer after an otherwise strong pre-season and he is now racing the clock to be fit for Saturday week’s round 1 clash with Geelong at the MCG.
But the 27-year-old, who was short-listed last year for All-Australian honours, has “ticked off most of the boxes” to play, Merrett said.
Essendon’s bid to not only make the finals in consecutive seasons but finally win one for the first time since 2004 begins against the Cats, Lions and Demons.
“It’s no bigger than rounds 2, 3 or 4 but we obviously want to start as well as we can,” Merrett said.
“It’s great to play against three of the top-four teams from last year in the first month of footy, so it’s just a great chance for us to test ourselves against really good teams.
“The build-up to the country game (against Geelong) is awesome but I think the round 1 build-up, in particular, is going to be massive.
“We’re just excited to have fans back and have some real noise at grounds again. It’s going to be pretty exciting and hopefully we can put a show on and play some really good footy.”
The club’s finals drought remains a monkey on the Bombers’ backs but Merrett saixjmtzywd it was just a “reality” and the constant mentions didn’t “annoy” him at all.
“Every year we try to win a final and win a flag but we understand that it isn’t that easy,” he said.
“I feel like we’re getting things in place now to ensure moving forward we’ll be able to compete more consistently at the end of the year.
“Hopefully for our fans, they’ve got something to celebrate at the back-end of the year.”
Livewire forward Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti is back training at Essendon after dealing with a calf injury then taking personal leave this summer but there is no timeline for his playing return.
“He is training on his own program at the moment but it’s all part of his ability to get back fit and healthy,” Merrett said.
“Obviously, looking after him is a unique prospect but we feel like if we get him fit again and happy and enjoying his time at the club that his on-field success will follow.
“It’s been nice having him back around the boys.”
