Does “wildcard” Stringer addition launch GWS into 2025 premiership favouritism?

GWS secured exciting forward Jake Stringer from Essendon in a late trade period swoop before Wednesday’s deadline.

The deal appeared dead just hours before the trade period was set to close but was resuscitated late with the 30-year-old joining the club in exchange for Pick 53.

While Stringer has had his knockers across his 212-game career, there’s no doubt he can have a big scoreboard impact as proven by his return of 42 majors for the Dons in the 2024 season.

Given the Giants were already a top-four side in 2024 and made a Preliminary Final in 2023, the club will be hoping that the added firepower brought by Stringer can help them secure an elusive maiden AFL premiership.

SEN’s Garry Lyon expects Stringer to be a wildcard up forward for Adam Kingsley and he has the club as his early pick for the 2025 flag.

He discussed the move to bring him in with Kane Cornes on SEN Breakfast.

Lyon: “I like the Giants, they’ve just got to improve their football club, they didn’t really need to attract much playing talent.

“I think there's enough talent there, they’ve just got to improve their consistency in the way they play, they were in winning positions in big finals. 

“Jake Stringer could be a nice little wildcard. That's what he could be.”

Cornes: “He could be a wildcard in a forward line that is absolutely stacked.

“But I don't think he quite fits into their game style the way they demand that their forwards play up the ground. 

“High pressure, empty out the tank, get back and get defenders out the back. He’s not going to quite fit into that. 

“The muck up day, does it have an impact on them?”

Lyon: “It won't by August or September next year, but it could in the first couple of weeks if they haven't got a few players running out there. 

“But they’re my early pick for the premiership.”

Stringer’s return of 42 goals in 2024 was his equal second-best season tally, only behind the 56 majors he kicked for the Bulldogs in 2015.