Stringer threatens to be finals wildcard for GWS
After an injury-interrupted start to his time in Sydney, the explosive forward has added another element to a power-packed Giants front-half.
In his first game against his former club Essendon, Stringer fired with three goals,18 disposals and three score involvements in a 48-point win on Thursday night.
Coleman medallist Jesse Hogan (foot) will return for next Friday night's Sydney derby, joining young gun Aaron Cadman, captain Toby Greene and Stringer in arguably the AFL's most potent forward line.
Giants coach Adam Kingsley has been thrilled with Stringer involving other teammates in play, backing up a four-goal haul against Geelong last week.
During his time at the Bombers, Stringer was the frontman and felt pressure to win games off his own boot.
"That's been a bit of a trademark of his last month for us," Kingsley said of Stringer's unselfish acts.
"He's been able to kick some miraculous goals, particularly that Gold Coast game.
"But then the West Coast game, you saw a real selflessness, giving goals off, where he had every right to take those shots.
"Then we saw that again (against Essendon), running into open an goal and handballs to a guy in the goal square (Max Gruzewski).
"His intent to chase, tackle, pressure feels like it's at a really good level."
Kingsley admitted Stringer was apprehensive ahead of the clash with the Bombers, but didn't need any extra advice.
"He's a very intelligent player. He sees the game well," he said.
"He often has suggestions for me during the game ... he sees the game incredibly well.
"He's a smart guy. He didn't need any coaching.
"When we decided to bring him across, this is what we had in mind.
"He's going to contribute to our game, both on offence and on defence.
Essendon coach Brad Scott also couldn't speak highly enough of Stringer, who left during the last trade period following 123 games for the Bombers.
"When his team's playing well, Jake can finish as well as anyone," Scott said.
"Despite what people may think - I'd actually prefer it wasn't tonight - but I'm very pleased for him.
"He wanted to prolong his career.
"We're going in a different direction. I see the result there as a win-win."
GWS (12-6) finished the first game of round 19 fourth on the ladder, but could end the weekend as low as seventh.
Finalists the last two seasons, the Giants have won five-straight games since their shock loss against Port Adelaide in Canberra last month.
GWS may have unlocked the best version of Jake Stringer.
After an injury-interrupted start to his time in Sydney, the explosive forward has added another element to a power-packed Giants front-half.
In his first game against his former club Essendon, Stringer fired with three goals,18 disposals and three score involvements in a 48-point win on Thursday night.
Coleman medallist Jesse Hogan (foot) will return for next Friday night's Sydney derby, joining young gun Aaron Cadman, captain Toby Greene and Stringer in arguably the AFL's most potent forward line.
Giants coach Adam Kingsley has been thrilled with Stringer involving other teammates in play, backing up a four-goal haul against Geelong last week.
During his time at the Bombers, Stringer was the frontman and felt pressure to win games off his own boot.
"That's been a bit of a trademark of his last month for us," Kingsley said of Stringer's unselfish acts.
"He's been able to kick some miraculous goals, particularly that Gold Coast game.
"But then the West Coast game, you saw a real selflessness, giving goals off, where he had every right to take those shots.
"Then we saw that again (against Essendon), running into open an goal and handballs to a guy in the goal square (Max Gruzewski).
"His intent to chase, tackle, pressure feels like it's at a really good level."
Kingsley admitted Stringer was apprehensive ahead of the clash with the Bombers, but didn't need any extra advice.
"He's a very intelligent player. He sees the game well," he said.
"He often has suggestions for me during the game ... he sees the game incredibly well.
"He's a smart guy. He didn't need any coaching.
"When we decided to bring him across, this is what we had in mind.
"He's going to contribute to our game, both on offence and on defence.
Essendon coach Brad Scott also couldn't speak highly enough of Stringer, who left during the last trade period following 123 games for the Bombers.
"When his team's playing well, Jake can finish as well as anyone," Scott said.
"Despite what people may think - I'd actually prefer it wasn't tonight - but I'm very pleased for him.
"He wanted to prolong his career.
"We're going in a different direction. I see the result there as a win-win."
GWS (12-6) finished the first game of round 19 fourth on the ladder, but could end the weekend as low as seventh.
Finalists the last two seasons, the Giants have won five-straight games since their shock loss against Port Adelaide in Canberra last month.
GWS may have unlocked the best version of Jake Stringer.
After an injury-interrupted start to his time in Sydney, the explosive forward has added another element to a power-packed Giants front-half.
In his first game against his former club Essendon, Stringer fired with three goals,18 disposals and three score involvements in a 48-point win on Thursday night.
Coleman medallist Jesse Hogan (foot) will return for next Friday night's Sydney derby, joining young gun Aaron Cadman, captain Toby Greene and Stringer in arguably the AFL's most potent forward line.
Giants coach Adam Kingsley has been thrilled with Stringer involving other teammates in play, backing up a four-goal haul against Geelong last week.
During his time at the Bombers, Stringer was the frontman and felt pressure to win games off his own boot.
"That's been a bit of a trademark of his last month for us," Kingsley said of Stringer's unselfish acts.
"He's been able to kick some miraculous goals, particularly that Gold Coast game.
"But then the West Coast game, you saw a real selflessness, giving goals off, where he had every right to take those shots.
"Then we saw that again (against Essendon), running into open an goal and handballs to a guy in the goal square (Max Gruzewski).
"His intent to chase, tackle, pressure feels like it's at a really good level."
Kingsley admitted Stringer was apprehensive ahead of the clash with the Bombers, but didn't need any extra advice.
"He's a very intelligent player. He sees the game well," he said.
"He often has suggestions for me during the game ... he sees the game incredibly well.
"He's a smart guy. He didn't need any coaching.
"When we decided to bring him across, this is what we had in mind.
"He's going to contribute to our game, both on offence and on defence.
Essendon coach Brad Scott also couldn't speak highly enough of Stringer, who left during the last trade period following 123 games for the Bombers.
"When his team's playing well, Jake can finish as well as anyone," Scott said.
"Despite what people may think - I'd actually prefer it wasn't tonight - but I'm very pleased for him.
"He wanted to prolong his career.
"We're going in a different direction. I see the result there as a win-win."
GWS (12-6) finished the first game of round 19 fourth on the ladder, but could end the weekend as low as seventh.
Finalists the last two seasons, the Giants have won five-straight games since their shock loss against Port Adelaide in Canberra last month.
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News.com.au
8 hours ago
- News.com.au
AFL and Carlton player Zac Williams signs up to become a registered organ donor after finding out his wife already was
Zac Williams has kicked plenty of goals in his career as an AFL star. But a recent shift off the field has lead him to quite a different goal in his personal life. After a converstaion with wife Rachel Lucas, the Carlton Football player has signed up as a registered organ donor with DonateLife. 'I'm probably one of those people that have been oblivious for so long about organ donation,' Williams told Lucas, a former Ballerina, was already a registered organ donor and helped encourage the former GWS Giant to do the same, along with other family and close friends. 'It was actually a very passionate conversation that we had about it,' Williams said. 'Hearing stories from people that have received organ donations and how it saved their lives, was really inspirational. 'I was pretty easily convinced that if you become an organ donor how much you can help others.' The pair, who married in 2024 share two children, son Beckham and daughter Ayla. Williams' decision to register as a donor comes as the median time people currently on the kidney transplant wait list has risen to 2.6 years. The waiting period is dependant on individual's blood type and location, but is significantly higher than the average wait time for a liver transplant which is eight to 12 months. More than 200 Australians have died in the past five years waiting for a transplant, but there are concerns the figure may actually be higher as patients are removed from waitlists as they're conditions worsen. Williams is speaking ahead of DonateLife Week which aims to raise national awareness about organ and tissue donation between July 27 and August 3. Williams even let his good friend and rival AFL player from Port Adelaide Jeremy Finlayson know he'd made the move. Finlayson's wife Kellie was diagnosed with Stage four bowel cancel at 25 years old in 2021, after giving birth to their daughter Sophia just three months prior. Not long later in 2022 after experiencing shortness of breath, it was confirmed the disease had spread to her colon. Kellie has been receiving blood from donors helping save her life following surgeries and ongoing treatment. Williams meanwhile is facing a tough uphill battle with a struggling Carlton side that have slumped to 12th in this season's standings. The 2013 AFL rising star has seen a positional shift at times and has been a consistent member of the squad.
The Advertiser
12 hours ago
- The Advertiser
A finals berth may be secure, but the Hunter Wildfires still have plenty on the line
JOB one done. Now to secure a home semi-final. The Hunter Wildfires have a guaranteed place in the Shute Shield finals with two rounds remaining after a 43-21 win over West Harbour at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday. The six-tries-to-three win moved the Wildfires to 60 points in third place. And they have no intention of falling any lower. The Wildfires are away to Gordon and Randwick in the final two rounds. Both are fighting for a place in the top six. Two wins could jump the Wildfires above Warringah (64 points) and into second. "We want to finish in the top three," Wildfires coach Scott Coleman said. "We want a home semi. That is very important. "Sydney Rugby have said we are a good chance of hosting a play-off if we finish in the top three. It will hinge a little bit on who we are playing and where their second grade is playing. We want to give them no choice." The Wildfires' only other finals appearance was in 2023 when they finished the regular season in sixth spot. They went down to eventual grand finalist Norths 22-17 in the first round of the play-offs. As well as a chance to host a home final, Coleman wants to take momentum into the post-season. "The next two games will be a true indication of what is to come," Coleman said. "We want to take momentum into the play-offs." The Wildfires win over West Harbour wasn't the prettiest or most clinical performance but the home side did enough. After being held up twice and bombing another try, the Wildfires went ahead in the 15th minute through a converted try to winger Frankie Nowell. West Harbour hit back five minutes later, with their first venture into the Wildfires' 22 metres. Newcastle-born halfback Drew Sellers was pulled down just short and No.8 Onehunga Kaufusi crashed over to draw level. That is how it went for the next 40 minutes. The Wildfires maul was dominant and was the avenue to four tries. But every time the Wildfires jumped ahead, they let West Harbour back into the game. They led 14-7 and 19-14 at half-time. A half-time rev up, seemed to do the trick. Phil Talaileva powered over three minutes into the second half to extend the gap to 26-14. Again, the Wildfires took their foot off the throat, bombing another try. The Pirates made them pay to close to 26-21. With 15 minutes to go, the Wildfires lifted again. Powerhouse centre Veni Vahai made a bust on the right edge. Next phase, replacement hooker Bertnie Hati charged over for 33-21 after 70 minutes. Talaileva added a second in the 74th minute. Logan Love converted and added a penalty at the death. "We weren't doing the simple things well," Coleman said. "In the first half, we made line breaks but didn't have support. We would make a good carry and have no one cleaning out. Everyone was expecting it to be done, rather than stepping up and doing it. "The finishers came on and did what they had to do. We sped up the ball in the last 15 minutes and got a bit of pay out of it." JOB one done. Now to secure a home semi-final. The Hunter Wildfires have a guaranteed place in the Shute Shield finals with two rounds remaining after a 43-21 win over West Harbour at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday. The six-tries-to-three win moved the Wildfires to 60 points in third place. And they have no intention of falling any lower. The Wildfires are away to Gordon and Randwick in the final two rounds. Both are fighting for a place in the top six. Two wins could jump the Wildfires above Warringah (64 points) and into second. "We want to finish in the top three," Wildfires coach Scott Coleman said. "We want a home semi. That is very important. "Sydney Rugby have said we are a good chance of hosting a play-off if we finish in the top three. It will hinge a little bit on who we are playing and where their second grade is playing. We want to give them no choice." The Wildfires' only other finals appearance was in 2023 when they finished the regular season in sixth spot. They went down to eventual grand finalist Norths 22-17 in the first round of the play-offs. As well as a chance to host a home final, Coleman wants to take momentum into the post-season. "The next two games will be a true indication of what is to come," Coleman said. "We want to take momentum into the play-offs." The Wildfires win over West Harbour wasn't the prettiest or most clinical performance but the home side did enough. After being held up twice and bombing another try, the Wildfires went ahead in the 15th minute through a converted try to winger Frankie Nowell. West Harbour hit back five minutes later, with their first venture into the Wildfires' 22 metres. Newcastle-born halfback Drew Sellers was pulled down just short and No.8 Onehunga Kaufusi crashed over to draw level. That is how it went for the next 40 minutes. The Wildfires maul was dominant and was the avenue to four tries. But every time the Wildfires jumped ahead, they let West Harbour back into the game. They led 14-7 and 19-14 at half-time. A half-time rev up, seemed to do the trick. Phil Talaileva powered over three minutes into the second half to extend the gap to 26-14. Again, the Wildfires took their foot off the throat, bombing another try. The Pirates made them pay to close to 26-21. With 15 minutes to go, the Wildfires lifted again. Powerhouse centre Veni Vahai made a bust on the right edge. Next phase, replacement hooker Bertnie Hati charged over for 33-21 after 70 minutes. Talaileva added a second in the 74th minute. Logan Love converted and added a penalty at the death. "We weren't doing the simple things well," Coleman said. "In the first half, we made line breaks but didn't have support. We would make a good carry and have no one cleaning out. Everyone was expecting it to be done, rather than stepping up and doing it. "The finishers came on and did what they had to do. We sped up the ball in the last 15 minutes and got a bit of pay out of it." JOB one done. Now to secure a home semi-final. The Hunter Wildfires have a guaranteed place in the Shute Shield finals with two rounds remaining after a 43-21 win over West Harbour at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday. The six-tries-to-three win moved the Wildfires to 60 points in third place. And they have no intention of falling any lower. The Wildfires are away to Gordon and Randwick in the final two rounds. Both are fighting for a place in the top six. Two wins could jump the Wildfires above Warringah (64 points) and into second. "We want to finish in the top three," Wildfires coach Scott Coleman said. "We want a home semi. That is very important. "Sydney Rugby have said we are a good chance of hosting a play-off if we finish in the top three. It will hinge a little bit on who we are playing and where their second grade is playing. We want to give them no choice." The Wildfires' only other finals appearance was in 2023 when they finished the regular season in sixth spot. They went down to eventual grand finalist Norths 22-17 in the first round of the play-offs. As well as a chance to host a home final, Coleman wants to take momentum into the post-season. "The next two games will be a true indication of what is to come," Coleman said. "We want to take momentum into the play-offs." The Wildfires win over West Harbour wasn't the prettiest or most clinical performance but the home side did enough. After being held up twice and bombing another try, the Wildfires went ahead in the 15th minute through a converted try to winger Frankie Nowell. West Harbour hit back five minutes later, with their first venture into the Wildfires' 22 metres. Newcastle-born halfback Drew Sellers was pulled down just short and No.8 Onehunga Kaufusi crashed over to draw level. That is how it went for the next 40 minutes. The Wildfires maul was dominant and was the avenue to four tries. But every time the Wildfires jumped ahead, they let West Harbour back into the game. They led 14-7 and 19-14 at half-time. A half-time rev up, seemed to do the trick. Phil Talaileva powered over three minutes into the second half to extend the gap to 26-14. Again, the Wildfires took their foot off the throat, bombing another try. The Pirates made them pay to close to 26-21. With 15 minutes to go, the Wildfires lifted again. Powerhouse centre Veni Vahai made a bust on the right edge. Next phase, replacement hooker Bertnie Hati charged over for 33-21 after 70 minutes. Talaileva added a second in the 74th minute. Logan Love converted and added a penalty at the death. "We weren't doing the simple things well," Coleman said. "In the first half, we made line breaks but didn't have support. We would make a good carry and have no one cleaning out. Everyone was expecting it to be done, rather than stepping up and doing it. "The finishers came on and did what they had to do. We sped up the ball in the last 15 minutes and got a bit of pay out of it." JOB one done. Now to secure a home semi-final. The Hunter Wildfires have a guaranteed place in the Shute Shield finals with two rounds remaining after a 43-21 win over West Harbour at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday. The six-tries-to-three win moved the Wildfires to 60 points in third place. And they have no intention of falling any lower. The Wildfires are away to Gordon and Randwick in the final two rounds. Both are fighting for a place in the top six. Two wins could jump the Wildfires above Warringah (64 points) and into second. "We want to finish in the top three," Wildfires coach Scott Coleman said. "We want a home semi. That is very important. "Sydney Rugby have said we are a good chance of hosting a play-off if we finish in the top three. It will hinge a little bit on who we are playing and where their second grade is playing. We want to give them no choice." The Wildfires' only other finals appearance was in 2023 when they finished the regular season in sixth spot. They went down to eventual grand finalist Norths 22-17 in the first round of the play-offs. As well as a chance to host a home final, Coleman wants to take momentum into the post-season. "The next two games will be a true indication of what is to come," Coleman said. "We want to take momentum into the play-offs." The Wildfires win over West Harbour wasn't the prettiest or most clinical performance but the home side did enough. After being held up twice and bombing another try, the Wildfires went ahead in the 15th minute through a converted try to winger Frankie Nowell. West Harbour hit back five minutes later, with their first venture into the Wildfires' 22 metres. Newcastle-born halfback Drew Sellers was pulled down just short and No.8 Onehunga Kaufusi crashed over to draw level. That is how it went for the next 40 minutes. The Wildfires maul was dominant and was the avenue to four tries. But every time the Wildfires jumped ahead, they let West Harbour back into the game. They led 14-7 and 19-14 at half-time. A half-time rev up, seemed to do the trick. Phil Talaileva powered over three minutes into the second half to extend the gap to 26-14. Again, the Wildfires took their foot off the throat, bombing another try. The Pirates made them pay to close to 26-21. With 15 minutes to go, the Wildfires lifted again. Powerhouse centre Veni Vahai made a bust on the right edge. Next phase, replacement hooker Bertnie Hati charged over for 33-21 after 70 minutes. Talaileva added a second in the 74th minute. Logan Love converted and added a penalty at the death. "We weren't doing the simple things well," Coleman said. "In the first half, we made line breaks but didn't have support. We would make a good carry and have no one cleaning out. Everyone was expecting it to be done, rather than stepping up and doing it. "The finishers came on and did what they had to do. We sped up the ball in the last 15 minutes and got a bit of pay out of it."
The Advertiser
17 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Giants' double injury blow as AFL finals race heats up
GWS have suffered a double-blow in their AFL finals bid after key pair Josh Kelly and Jack Buckley were ruled out for the rest of the home-and-away season through injuries. Kelly was substituted out of the Giants' 44-point win over Sydney on Friday night and scans have since confirmed a calf strain. The 30-year-old midfielder was also managed earlier this month with a hip issue. Tall defender Buckley also has a calf strain out of the Sydney derby and faces multiple weeks on the sidelines. The pair are among three big names to miss the Giants' huge clash with the Western Bulldogs on Thursday night, with captain Toby Greene suspended. GWS (13-6) sit sixth, two wins clear of the ninth-placed Dogs (11-8) but with an inferior percentage. Meanwhile, Collingwood are hopeful midfielder Lachie Sullivan has avoided serious damage with a posterior cruciate ligament injury that could end his season. Sullivan was subbed out of the Magpies' 36-point win over Richmond on Sunday, while Scott Pendlebury was a late withdrawal because of soreness. Pendlebury is expected to be fit to face Brisbane in an MCG blockbuster on Saturday night, but Sullivan may not feature again in the Pies' premiership push. "It's a PCL. Scans will determine how long," Collingwood coach Craig McRae said of Pendlebury's injury. "We'll just wait and see on that before making too many comments around it. "But unfortunately for the young lad he had an impact into the ground which caused the PCL (injury)." Richmond expect star midfielder Tim Taranto will be fit in round 21 after he was a late withdrawal against Collingwood with a calf injury. St Kilda youngster Lance Collard faces a stint on the sidelines after he was subbed out of the epic six-point comeback win over Melbourne on Sunday with a foot injury and ended the day on crutches. West Coast young gun Harley Reid will be hoping for a positive outcome from his scans on an injured right ankle, amid fears of a syndesmosis injury. Reid was helped off the field by two trainers in the dying stages of the Eagles' 49-point loss to Fremantle on Saturday. "I just chatted to him - he's hurt his ankle," West Coast coach Andrew McQualter said post-match. "I probably don't have much more information than that. "You can see Harley put no weight on it as he was coming off, and then he was able to walk off. "We'll go away, scan it and see." GWS have suffered a double-blow in their AFL finals bid after key pair Josh Kelly and Jack Buckley were ruled out for the rest of the home-and-away season through injuries. Kelly was substituted out of the Giants' 44-point win over Sydney on Friday night and scans have since confirmed a calf strain. The 30-year-old midfielder was also managed earlier this month with a hip issue. Tall defender Buckley also has a calf strain out of the Sydney derby and faces multiple weeks on the sidelines. The pair are among three big names to miss the Giants' huge clash with the Western Bulldogs on Thursday night, with captain Toby Greene suspended. GWS (13-6) sit sixth, two wins clear of the ninth-placed Dogs (11-8) but with an inferior percentage. Meanwhile, Collingwood are hopeful midfielder Lachie Sullivan has avoided serious damage with a posterior cruciate ligament injury that could end his season. Sullivan was subbed out of the Magpies' 36-point win over Richmond on Sunday, while Scott Pendlebury was a late withdrawal because of soreness. Pendlebury is expected to be fit to face Brisbane in an MCG blockbuster on Saturday night, but Sullivan may not feature again in the Pies' premiership push. "It's a PCL. Scans will determine how long," Collingwood coach Craig McRae said of Pendlebury's injury. "We'll just wait and see on that before making too many comments around it. "But unfortunately for the young lad he had an impact into the ground which caused the PCL (injury)." Richmond expect star midfielder Tim Taranto will be fit in round 21 after he was a late withdrawal against Collingwood with a calf injury. St Kilda youngster Lance Collard faces a stint on the sidelines after he was subbed out of the epic six-point comeback win over Melbourne on Sunday with a foot injury and ended the day on crutches. West Coast young gun Harley Reid will be hoping for a positive outcome from his scans on an injured right ankle, amid fears of a syndesmosis injury. Reid was helped off the field by two trainers in the dying stages of the Eagles' 49-point loss to Fremantle on Saturday. "I just chatted to him - he's hurt his ankle," West Coast coach Andrew McQualter said post-match. "I probably don't have much more information than that. "You can see Harley put no weight on it as he was coming off, and then he was able to walk off. "We'll go away, scan it and see." GWS have suffered a double-blow in their AFL finals bid after key pair Josh Kelly and Jack Buckley were ruled out for the rest of the home-and-away season through injuries. Kelly was substituted out of the Giants' 44-point win over Sydney on Friday night and scans have since confirmed a calf strain. The 30-year-old midfielder was also managed earlier this month with a hip issue. Tall defender Buckley also has a calf strain out of the Sydney derby and faces multiple weeks on the sidelines. The pair are among three big names to miss the Giants' huge clash with the Western Bulldogs on Thursday night, with captain Toby Greene suspended. GWS (13-6) sit sixth, two wins clear of the ninth-placed Dogs (11-8) but with an inferior percentage. Meanwhile, Collingwood are hopeful midfielder Lachie Sullivan has avoided serious damage with a posterior cruciate ligament injury that could end his season. Sullivan was subbed out of the Magpies' 36-point win over Richmond on Sunday, while Scott Pendlebury was a late withdrawal because of soreness. Pendlebury is expected to be fit to face Brisbane in an MCG blockbuster on Saturday night, but Sullivan may not feature again in the Pies' premiership push. "It's a PCL. Scans will determine how long," Collingwood coach Craig McRae said of Pendlebury's injury. "We'll just wait and see on that before making too many comments around it. "But unfortunately for the young lad he had an impact into the ground which caused the PCL (injury)." Richmond expect star midfielder Tim Taranto will be fit in round 21 after he was a late withdrawal against Collingwood with a calf injury. St Kilda youngster Lance Collard faces a stint on the sidelines after he was subbed out of the epic six-point comeback win over Melbourne on Sunday with a foot injury and ended the day on crutches. West Coast young gun Harley Reid will be hoping for a positive outcome from his scans on an injured right ankle, amid fears of a syndesmosis injury. Reid was helped off the field by two trainers in the dying stages of the Eagles' 49-point loss to Fremantle on Saturday. "I just chatted to him - he's hurt his ankle," West Coast coach Andrew McQualter said post-match. "I probably don't have much more information than that. "You can see Harley put no weight on it as he was coming off, and then he was able to walk off. "We'll go away, scan it and see."
