David King is “worried” about Essendon’s key forward stocks heading into 2022.
Peter Wright, Cale Hooker – who retired at season’s end – and Harrison Jones were the Bombers’ tall targets inside attacking 50 in 2021, while Jake Stringer also pushed forward from midfield.
Stringer won Essendon’s goalkicking with 41 goals ahead of Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti (34) and veteran Hooker (33).
Wright booted 29 goals in his first season at Tullamarine, including a career-best seven-goal haul against the Western Bulldogs, while Jones showed promise in his second season at AFL level.
King isn’t confident that Essendon’s current key forward options can elevate them further up the ladder next year.
“They’re coming off 11 wins, looked really good, young team. They’ll be thereabouts again, won’t they?” The North Melbourne champion told SEN Drive.
“(Peter) Wright lit it up late in the year as a tall with the seven-goal game and looked pretty good towards the back end.
“I’m still worried about the key pillars up forward.
“Until they find someone for there or something there that’s not just Jake Stringer, then I think they’ll be stuck in this little bracket.”
Essendon has been linked with emerging Gold Coast forward Ben King, who comes out of contract in 2022.
Ben Rutten’s side were eliminated in the first week of the finals by the Bulldogs to the tune of 49 points.
More in AFL
“This time next year…”: Cornes’ bold pick for his next AFL head coach in waiting
“I think he is the most ready head coach in waiting.”