Essendon forward Jake Stringer isn't as emotional as he once was when it came to facing his former side and premiership teammates, with the Bombers' livewire noting his time with the Western Bulldogs "feels like a lifetime ago".
Twelve months after winning the 2016 Grand Final as a key pillar in snapping the Dogs' premiership drought, Stringer was unceremoniously traded to Essendon despite being contracted at Whitten Oval.
The fiery forward has since faced his old side on five occasions, with a sixth to come at Marvel Stadium on Friday night in a game that firms as a crucial one for the finals hopes of both clubs.
The loser of the Round 19 affair will likely see their placing in the top eight fall, with several clubs able to leap into the finals frame due to a heavily congested middle third of the ladder.
The Bombers have managed a record of one win and seven losses against the clubs currently sitting in the top eight, with Friday's showdown another test for Brad Scott's men.
Speaking to reporters this week, Stringer said the club is yet to see the results they've hoped for against fellow finals contenders, with their matchup against the Bulldogs a litmus test for the red and black side.
Stringer said he won't carry any emotion into the match when he lines up against his old club, having "indulged" in life as a Bomber.
"We pushed Collingwood, we pushed Port twice. We just haven't quite got the results yet," Stringer said.
"The good thing is that we're right in the mix, now we need to start winning a couple of these games. I'm looking forward to (Friday) night and seeing how we go there.
"It's a big game for the club, back on the Friday night stage. We all want to be playing in those games. We've got a good opportunity against a good outfit to do our best.
"It's been too long now (to still hold an emotional tie with the Bulldogs). A lot of my close mates have moved on from my time there. We've got that premiership, so there's always going to be that connection.
"Now I've indulged into the Essendon culture and I'm really enjoying my time here that it now sort of feels like a lifetime ago."
After battling fitness and concussion concerns during the pre-season, Stringer has managed to feature in 15 games this year for a return of 21 goals - the second most for his side behind only Kyle Langford.
Stringer admitted this year hasn't been the smoothest of sailing - a theme he's become accustomed to - but is ready to reach new heights over the final rounds of the season.
"During the season you're always going to have your ups and downs," he said.
"Playing in the forward line you're probably more likely to have ups and downs. The next month will be really telling on our season.
"It's been a successful one so far, but we've still got six games left, hopefully more. We're just really excited about the opportunity (against the Bulldogs)."
The Bombers and Bulldogs will go head-to-head at Marvel Stadium at 7:50pm (AEST) on Friday.
