Newly linked club exploring trade interest in Jake Stringer

GWS are exploring trade interest in Essendon forward Jake Stringer according to AFL Media’s Cal Twomey.

While that interest hasn’t progressed far yet, Twomey revealed a link between the club and the player which comes from GWS list boss Jason McCartney who was part of the Bulldogs’ recruiting team that drafted Stringer over a decade ago.

“The Giants are exploring interest in Jake Stringer,” Twomey told AFL Trade Radio.

“It hasn't progressed far at this stage and would only be a late trade period option potentially,

“But there is a link at the Giants with Jason McCartney, who of course is the Giants’ footy boss, he was a part of the Bulldogs’ recruiting team that took Stringer back in 2012 … so he's got the link there.”

While Stringer has told people he’s played his last game at Essendon, Twomey revealed that he’s still training with Dons teammates and that a potential move to GWS hinges on who they lose this off-season and what list spots become available as the off-season continues to progress.

“Stringer has told plenty of people he's played his last game for Essendon,” Twomey said.

“In saying that he did train at the footy club a week or two ago alongside Zach Merrett and a couple of other teammates and he does have a contract for next year at Essendon.

“But the Giants’ interest depends a little bit on who they do lose, how many list spots they have and how available and ready they are to take some experience to replace some of those players that we think are on the way out.

“If Harry Perryman and James Peatling follow Isaac Cumming (out the door), Xavier O’Halloran has that interest from the Western Bulldogs even though he is contracted.

“Wade Derksen isn’t going to be an experience loss, but he is also a depth player to add to that group.”

Twomey also says that Stringer ideally wants to remain in Victoria but he may have few choices at his disposal as he tries to leave Essendon who are refusing to offer him any deal beyond the current contract he’s tied to which runs until the end of the 2025 season.

“I don't think in an ideal world Stringer would be moving out of Victoria,” Twomey said.

“But at the moment, there aren't a lot of clubs banging down the door. I still have always thought that something could happen late with Jake.

“I don't think that he'll be a priority one or two for a few clubs who are considering him, but something could happen late.

“We’ll wait to see if the Giants explore that any further. But there is that link there and it is something that has been explored.”

Stringer’s deal for the 2025 campaign is reportedly worth around $400,000.