Essendon forward Jake Stringer has gifted a special Bombers fan a moment he will never forget at the MCG on Sunday.

Five-year-old Essendon fan Charlie Scholten topped off a remarkable week when Stringer carried him through the banner and onto the ground before the club’s clash with Geelong.

Charlie is the first person in the world to be diagnosed with a calcium gene mutation of the brain that affects his speech, growth and fine motor skills, but the little trooper reached a sensational milestone at The Hangar last week.

“Charlie’s a star, he came in during the week. He’s five years old and he actually took his first steps at the club,” Stringer said on Sunday.

“It was pretty special to be able to carry him through the banner and hopefully he cherishes that for the rest of his life.”

It was a touching moment before Stringer got back to business against the Cats with another brilliant three-goal effort adding to his sensational season.

But the Bombers ultimately fell 32 points short of a clinical Geelong line-up, and Stringer said the Cats made Essendon’s lack of repeat efforts hurt in the disappointing performance.

“Their ability to outnumber us at each contest probably ended up letting them run away with the game.

“Our ability to work contest to contest wasn’t quite there tonight. That and there’s plenty of other things.

“It wasn’t the brand of footy that we’ve been playing in the last few weeks.

“They’re a really good team and we’re not quite there yet, but we’ve got to get to work in the next week and look forward to Sydney on Friday night.”

A stark contrast in efficiency was a key factor in the result as the Bombers failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Geelong rarely missed at the opposite end of the ground.

Essendon led inside 50s 18 to eight but took a three-point deficit into the first change, and at one stage in the second term the Cats had booted six goals from just 10 entries. The Bombers eventually finished the game with three more inside 50s and two fewer scoring shots.

Stringer said the team’s failure to make the most of its chances was the result of a variety of factors including poor delivery inside 50 and the star-studded Cats’ staunch defence.

“I think it was a bit of everything,” Stringer said.

“The ability for forwards to work back inside 50 probably wasn’t quite there and their defensive unit held their six really well back there and we just weren’t able to capitalise on much.”

Stringer has been a shining light for the side this year, averaging two goals a game and impressing with his tireless, bustling work in the contest.

While admitting he is pleased with his season to date, Stringer said it is important to stick to playing a team game, rather than rely on individual performances.

“It’s been a pretty good season so far, but in saying that, we need to continue to work together and make sure all these young kids continue to push the envelope.”

The club won’t be dwelling on the loss with the next assignment coming around quickly when the Bombers take on Sydney at the SCG on Friday.

“(Our focus is on) recovery, we’ve got a five-day turnaround and we’ve got to fly as well.

“We’ll review this game over the next 24/48 hours and then it will be straight on to Sydney.”

The first bounce is set for 7:50pm.