A resurgent Jake Stringer has caught the eye of fans of AFL commentators this year, and not just because of his blistering form.

The powerful Essendon forward was again instrumental in the Bombers’ upset win over the Western Bulldogs on Friday night, booting two telling goals in another lively performance.

Stringer has been celebrating his goals this year with a noticeable point to the heavens.

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Typically a point to the sky is usually a tribute to a loved one who has recently died, but the motivation for Stringer’s action has — up until now — been a mystery.

Asked about the celebration on Friday night by Channel 7 AFL commentator Abbey Holmes, Stringer was a little guarded.

“There’s a few people who know what it’s about … that’s all I’ve got to say,” Stringer said.

But now, in an exclusive interview with 7NEWS chief AFL reporter Mitch Cleary, Stringer has revealed all.

The 29-year-old is exploring the religion of Islam and has been regularly attending mosques around Melbourne.

Asked if the goal celebration was related to the religion, Stringer admitted that it was.

“But it’s more just around the brotherhood, the boys, as well as my business partner and all of the other boys,” he said.

“It’s just a little inside joke, but also means a lot as well.”

Stringer is now averaging more than two-and-half goals a game and is on track to break his personal season record, with each of his 11 goals this year coming with a point to the sky.

“It actually came from one of the boys,” he said.

“I ran with it the first week and I’ve just stuck with it since, and I’ll probably stick with it for the rest of the year.”

Stringer has also been spending time with former Bomber and Carlton star Adam Saad, a well known Muslim who often discusses his faith.

“Saady’s been awesome,” Stringer said.

“I’ve spoke to him a few times, during Ramadan and (he’s) offered me guidance.”

Stringer was clear that he had not converted to the faith yet, but was something he was “exploring”.

“And I’ll continue to explore (it). It’s just like everything, once you start it opens different avenues and that’s what I’m doing at the minute,” he said.

Stringer in previous years has been widely criticised for looking out of shape and his up-and-down form.

But he said this year he was feeling healthy, and he was now enjoying his time on and off the field.

He said Islam had taught him that “there’s more to life than just day-to-day life”.

“I’ve got a beautiful family and that’s all that matters,” he said.

“(I’m) just taking it a day at a time, mate, just enjoying my life. That’s pretty much all there is to it.”

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