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Jake Stringer can dominate Docklands like Gary Ablett did at the MCG
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EMERGING superstar Jake Stringer is fast becoming King of the Docklands, just as Gary Ablett Sr once ruled the MCG.
Etihad Stadium has become the Western Bulldogs’ secret weapon after a 10-game winning streak at the venue with an average margin of 49 points.
Stringer, 21, has kicked two bags of five goals and three bags of four at Etihad.
Ablett dominated at the MCG with 291 goals in 55 games, an incredible strike rate that included nine goals in a losing Grand Final side and a bag of 14.
Two of Stringer’s five goals on Sunday at Etihad — where the Dogs play their next six games — drew comparisons with Ablett’s highlights reel.
An array of Geelong stars and former coaches agreed Stringer’s hunched shoulders, awesome power and ability to burst from a pack into space reminded them of Ablett’s marauding presence.
He is a super-impressive player. He has a long way to go but he has those characteristics — the strong trunk and strong legs.
“He can do anything on either side, he can play big or small and you can see why there are those comparisons.
“He is an excitement machine. Stringer and Ablett had those things — the ability to turn a game, to bust through a pack and kick a goal.”
Former Cats defender Tim McGrath played five seasons with Ablett.
“(Stringer) has that X factor about him, the unpredictability Gazza had. The freaks have that,” he said.
“He’s got that similar physique, the hunched shoulders.
“Those blokes see the game half a step in front of anyone else, put the hammer down and get out of a tight situation.
“They are supreme athletes. They seem to be able to do that stuff with supreme ease.”
Former Geelong coach Gary Ayres, whose ability as a player to excel in heavy traffic was legendary, said Stringer needed to perform for a decade to get near Ablett.
“With that explosive speed and hunched shoulders you could say yes, but Jake is in his third year,” Ayres said.
“For Stringer to be able to work out how good he can be, that’s the unknown.
“There were games where I was coach where you only had to get the ball in a reasonable proximity and it was guaranteed Gary would do something special.
“We want players who mesmerise the opposition and crowd and it’s Gary, its Buddy Franklin, it’s Jake Stringer.”
The Dogs clearly thrive on the fast Docklands track, but their success at the ground is about more than high scores.
Luke Beveridge’s side has kept rivals to a miserly 60.7 points for in its 10-game streak, piling on an average of 109.6 points.
The club’s dashing defenders slingshot the ball from the defensive 50m into the forward 50m nearly one in three times (29.8 per cent), a massive number compared to the AFL average.
The club’s possession, clearance and inside-50 differential are all dominant at the ground.
DANGER MAN
Jake Stringer in the Dogs’ 10 straight Etihad Stadium wins 2015
Rd9: Did not play
Rd12: 5.0
Rd13: 0.2
Rd14: 3.0
Rd17: 1.3
Rd18: 4.2
Rd19: 4.4
Rd20: 4.0
Rd22: 1.2
2016
Rd1: 5.1
FFC: Established 1883
Premierships: AFL 1954, 2016 VFA - 1898,99,1900, 1908, 1913, 1919-20, 1923-24, VFL: 2014, 2016 . Champions of Victoria 1924. AFLW - 2018.
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Post Thanks / Like - 1 Thanks, 0 Likes
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Re: Jake Stringer can dominate Docklands like Gary Ablett did at the MCG
It is worth going to the footy, just to see this bloke.
FFC: Established 1883
Premierships: AFL 1954, 2016 VFA - 1898,99,1900, 1908, 1913, 1919-20, 1923-24, VFL: 2014, 2016 . Champions of Victoria 1924. AFLW - 2018.
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Post Thanks / Like - 0 Thanks, 2 Likes
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Re: Jake Stringer can dominate Docklands like Gary Ablett did at the MCG
Originally Posted by
bornadog
It is worth going to the footy, just to see this bloke.
That of itself is grounds for the comparisons with GOD. Forget about the actual output and stats over a career, what he is able to do with the footy, and without is something people want to see and love being thrilled by. I know the Package was just an over the top call by the Bristle but there is a reason it has stuck.
It is a joy to watch him play.
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Re: Jake Stringer can dominate Docklands like Gary Ablett did at the MCG
Originally Posted by
bornadog
It is worth going to the footy, just to see this bloke.
The writing was on the wall after his first possession and goal against Hawthorn in a NAB game. I remember jumping off the couch and he has just got more ridiculous since. The media is well and truly on board and a few seasons too late in regards to the Ablett comparisons. IMO Stringer and the BONT will end up the best few Bulldogs players of all time. Mention either and I cant hide my excitement we are very lucky indeed....
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Re: Jake Stringer can dominate Docklands like Gary Ablett did at the MCG
Originally Posted by
kruder
The writing was on the wall after his first possession and goal against Hawthorn in a NAB game. I remember jumping off the couch and he has just got more ridiculous since. The media is well and truly on board and a few seasons too late in regards to the Ablett comparisons. IMO Stringer and the BONT will end up the best few Bulldogs players of all time. Mention either and I cant hide my excitement we are very lucky indeed....
He kicked some brilliant goals v Saints - round 20 2014. This one was a ripper
FFC: Established 1883
Premierships: AFL 1954, 2016 VFA - 1898,99,1900, 1908, 1913, 1919-20, 1923-24, VFL: 2014, 2016 . Champions of Victoria 1924. AFLW - 2018.
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Re: Jake Stringer can dominate Docklands like Gary Ablett did at the MCG
Originally Posted by
bornadog
He kicked some brilliant goals v Saints - round 20 2014. This one was a ripper
https://j.gifs.com/mZNk3G.gif
Just made this and I could watch it all day
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Post Thanks / Like - 0 Thanks, 2 Likes
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Re: Jake Stringer can dominate Docklands like Gary Ablett did at the MCG
Originally Posted by
hujsh
And it's like there is a little umpire waiting patiently in the corner to bounce the ball as soon as Stringer kicks a goal so they can get it to Jake quicker for us to see some more magic quicker.
They say Burt Lancaster has one, but I don't believe them.
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Re: Jake Stringer can dominate Docklands like Gary Ablett did at the MCG
FFC: Established 1883
Premierships: AFL 1954, 2016 VFA - 1898,99,1900, 1908, 1913, 1919-20, 1923-24, VFL: 2014, 2016 . Champions of Victoria 1924. AFLW - 2018.
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Re: Jake Stringer can dominate Docklands like Gary Ablett did at the MCG
The first one was sheer arrogance. The second made a mockery of the Saints defence.
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Re: Jake Stringer can dominate Docklands like Gary Ablett did at the MCG
Looked to have his set shot kicking right on the weekend too. We love the flash stuff but if he's kicking 4.1 from 5 shots rather than 3.2 he becomes a far better player
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Re: Jake Stringer can dominate Docklands like Gary Ablett did at the MCG
I love Jake and he is getting better every game but he has a fair way to go to match Gary Ablett snr. How many times I saw Ablett destroy a team virtually on his own.
Jake certainly has something very very special though and the way he is tracking this isn't the last time we will be visiting this thread.
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Post Thanks / Like - 0 Thanks, 2 Likes
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Re: Jake Stringer can dominate Docklands like Gary Ablett did at the MCG
Originally Posted by
ratsmac
I love Jake and he is getting better every game but he has a fair way to go to match Gary Ablett snr. How many times I saw Ablett destroy a team virtually on his own.
Jake certainly has something very very special though and the way he is tracking this isn't the last time we will be visiting this thread.
Jake's a long way ahead of Ablett at the same age. Ablett had barely established himself as a senior player by the time Stringer was All Australian, and at Jake's age now Ablett kicked a career best 33 goals.
Obviously Stringer will have to improve rapidly to match Ablett's career trajectory, but at this stage the comparison is more than fair.
Western Bulldogs: We exist to win premierships
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Re: Jake Stringer can dominate Docklands like Gary Ablett did at the MCG
It's hard to compare him to GAS because the game's so different compared to how it was in 80-90's.
With the constraints on space in the modern game (unless a team is on the break) players are up against it to find room to move. Jake does this better than anyone.
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Re: Jake Stringer can dominate Docklands like Gary Ablett did at the MCG
With all this hype...he's odds-on to not kick a goal this week!
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Post Thanks / Like - 0 Thanks, 1 Likes
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Re: Jake Stringer can dominate Docklands like Gary Ablett did at the MCG
Originally Posted by
Ozza
With all this hype...he's odds-on to not kick a goal this week!
He seems to be a fairly level headed bloke and doesn't get carried away with all the hype (I hope )
FFC: Established 1883
Premierships: AFL 1954, 2016 VFA - 1898,99,1900, 1908, 1913, 1919-20, 1923-24, VFL: 2014, 2016 . Champions of Victoria 1924. AFLW - 2018.