A fan-favourite Essendon forward is reportedly making promising progress in his recovery from foot surgery, while an ailed defender participated in an off-season training session with teammates.
Bouldering forward Jake Stringer, who continues recovering from plantar fascia surgery, was sighted running, under the watchful eye of Essendon's high-performance boss Sean Murphy.
Stringer, despite hindering his foot ailment, managed 17 games for the Bombers this season, including Essendon's Round 23 belting at the hands of the GWS Giants.
The veteran's durability has been a concern for the Bombers as the forward enters the twilight years of his career.
Meantime, versatile defender Zach Reid could be seen alongside teammates partaking in a light session at the Hangar on Friday.
Reid, whose career is only getting started, didn't play any senior football in 2023 but was promising in the backline through seven 2022 appearances.
Seven reporter Mitch Cleary provided a brief update on the duo on Friday evening.
"Jake Stringer, this morning, returning to running eight weeks after surgery to address plantar fascia foot pain, watched closely by fitness boss Sean Murphy," Cleary declared.
"Injury-troubled defender Zach Reid also joining teammates for a session."
Carlton has made a shock move for a footy livewire. Chief Football Reporter @cleary_mitch with the exclusive details. https://t.co/5zYfOfGqUb @7AFL #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/B98rT8jPUr
— 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) October 27, 2023
While Essendon's list department prepares to embark on this year's National Draft, the playing group inches closer to the 2024 pre-season.
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