GWS key forward and Coleman medallist Jesse Hogan has been in awe of his new teammate Jake Stringer, despite the ongoing external narrative that has followed him throughout his career.
Stringer was one of the blockbuster moves in the off-season after he was traded from Essendon as the two parties came to a stalemate over contract negotiations.
The former Bomber has been tearing up the track over the pre-season but was downed by a bout of illness to remain absent from the Giants' pair of tune-up clashes.
But in an unfortunate twist for Stringer, his debut for his third AFL club is in doubt, after reports indicated he was dealing with hamstring tightness in the VFL on Saturday.
The lack of preparation might mean coach Adam Kingsley could hold off unveiling his newest recruit.
"Since he got to the club, his attitude and mindset has been second to none," Hogan said at the Opening Round launch.
"He's just put his head down, bum-up type setup, and everything he's been asked to do, he's done.
"He's been super impressive to me. And everyone knows at his best how good he actually is. And I actually truly believe his best footy's actually in front of him.
"So yeah, we're through that pre-season area, and hopefully we get to see him sooner rather than later."
The addition of Stringer to the GWS forward line would rival some of the competition's front-half groups.
A forward mix consisting of Hogan, Stringer, Toby Greene, Aaron Cadman and a host of small forwards that contribute to the 'Orange Tsunami' could spell danger in 2025.
"So over the pre-season, we've played a bit of footy together and we've just started to kind of get a bit of chemistry, but it takes a bit of time," Hogan said.
"It's always hard. When you meet a player like Jake, who's so unique, it can take a while.
"When you get players like Jake Stringer and Toby Greene they're kind of one of one, so it's hard to initially gel with them, because they're just so mercurial.
"The best forward lines in the comp have spent four or five years together, so we have to kind of fast-track that. But from what I've seen of him, he's been fun to play with."
