Essendon livewire Jake Stringer is set to roam free in the forward line following a groin injury that has hampered the majority of his pre-season, restricting his running capacity to play his accustomed hybrid role in 2023.
New Essendon head coach Brad Scott is instructing the 28-year-old to spearhead a young Bombers front half this season, with the group perfectly placed to learn at the feet of Stringer.
Speaking to media this week, versatile Bomber Matthew Guelfi responded to Stringer's permanent move forward, highlighting the fact "he's got an awesome footy brain," whilst explaining his own personal growth off the back of his teammate.
Guelfi also touched on the prospect of Stringer and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti lining up alongside each other in a mouthwatering proposal for fans of the red and black to ponder in the lead-up to Round 1.
"When he's out there he's directing and getting himself in good position so yeah, we love him having down there fit and now that's where we're gonna play him I think more this year," Guelfi said.
"He's exciting, if he plays anywhere around the goals he gets touches that end up in a goal, so him and Walla (McDonald-Tipungwuti) down there... It's going to be exciting this year."
It is understood that Essendon's list is comprised of a near-fully fit playing group with the exception of gun midfielder Darcy Parish, undergoing light duties in training sessions post-Christmas.
The Bombers will open their 2023 AFL season against Hawthorn on Sunday, March 19 at the MCG.