AFL: Ben Rutten optimistic of Jake Stringer's future after win over Hawks

Bombers coach Ben Rutten admitted both teams squandered a number of opportunities, but was glad to be on the winning end of the gritty game.

"I think the team took the opportunity, I understand Hawthorn had a few opportunities in that first half in front of goal in particular," he said.

"We were pretty lucky they didn't convert. I thought the way our guys hung in there - we're up for the fight and arm wrestle."

Bombers forward pocket Jacob Stringer proved to be the difference-maker for the visitors, booting four goals, six clearances and led the team in disposals with 29.

"I'm really pleased with his four-quarter effort," Rutten said.

"It's one thing to hit the scoreboard, but [I] was probably most pleased with his seven or eight tackles, [he] pressured the ball well and brought his teammates into the game.

"He's one of those unique players in the competition who's got the ability to do that.

"What we need to do is support Jake ... just to keep producing his best footy week in, week out and understand what that is."

Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson was pleased with his side's effort in the loss, but conceded the constant misses in front of goal doomed his team.

"We stopped Essendon from playing the way they usually play which is speed-free scoring," he said.

"We had more inside 50s and more scoring shots than they did ... at the end of the day we just lacked a little bit of polish at being able to finish some of our good work.

"They had 21 scoring shots, we had 23. They had 47 inside 50s... that part of the game was pleasing for us, despite the fact we couldn't finish our work."

In the first quarter, the Hawks scored just one goal and six behinds. Clarkson said pressure from the Bombers played a large role in the lack of conversions.

"Some of it comes from pressure but some of the set-shot misses we had early on were misses we expect guys to be able to convert," he said.

With the Bombers edging closer to a top-eight berth, Rutten expected his team to use the win over Hawthorn as a chance to find more consistency in their form.

"I think there's been periods throughout this season where we've shown some really positive signs, but also some other periods where we've dropped away for whatever reason," he said.

"We haven't beaten a top-four team yet ... in particular with Melbourne next week, it'll be an opportunity for us to be able to do that."

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