Jake Stringer trade a risk for both Essendon and Western Bulldogs, writes Mark Robinson

THE trade period is risky business but some trades are riskier than others, none more so than the Jake Stringer deal which a risk for both Essendon and the Western Bulldogs.

IT’S risky stuff this trading business.

The success or failure of the 2017 trades will be determined in time, but the risk assessments for individual trades can be made immediately.

Bryce Gibbs to Adelaide is not a risk despite the Crows giving up two first rounders. But because they received a first-rounder via Charlie Cameron, it’s a solid total trade package. And Gibbs is a star.

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Gary Ablett to Geelong is not a risk. It’s a fairytale and for No.19 and bits and pieces, the Cats get two years from the champ.

Sam Gibson to Adelaide is not a risk. For pick No. 91? That’s a freebie.

Jack Watts to Port Adelaide is not a risk. Not for pick No.31.

Lachie Weller to the Suns for pick No. 2 is a risk. The Suns still have power in next year’s trade period, but No.2 for Weller?

Josh Schache to the Western Bulldogs for picks No.25 and No.40 is a risk.

And Jake Stringer to Essendon for picks Nos.25 and No.30 is probably the biggest risk of them all.

In fact, it’s a risk for the Bulldogs and for the Bombers.

There would be Bulldogs fans staggered Stringer is out of the club.

The Bulldogs argued all week about wanting a first-rounder for Stringer or no trade would be done and as the hours and minutes ticked by on Thursday the fans probably held hope any trade would be scuppered, Stringer and the Dogs would make up and a harmonious career would be had at the kennel.

So, out Stringer, in Schache, the player no club wanted to touch in the first week of trades.

There’s something amiss about Schache. How can you go from being the No.2 pick in the 2015 national draft to “do not touch’’ at the end of 2017?

It’s said his wellbeing and lack of competitiveness became an issue, but it would appear the Dogs went on gut instinct more than performance. That, or trying to salvage something at the end.

Jake Stringer with Bombers coach John Worsfold after his trade. Picture: essendonfc.com.au

Did they start the trade period thinking they had to get Josh Schache? You’d think not, but they swooped knowing it was a risk. And good on them. If any coach can find the light at the end of the tunnel for a footballer lacking confidence, it is Luke Beveridge.

No, the Bulldogs started trade week knowing they had to cut Stringer.

Without going into intimate details — unlike his former partner — the Bulldogs believed Stringer was a cancer within the club.

Attitude. Professionalism. Social life. Private life. That was about it.

The Bombers get talent, four years of it at roughly $550,000 a season, but talent isn’t everything.

He’s made promises to the Bombers and the Bombers to Stringer, but talk is cheap, especially at trade time.

Dons chief executive Xavier Campbell tweeted: “Excited to welcome Jake Stringer to the Bombers. Adds a different dynamic to our group, and brings premiership experience ...”

The Bulldogs have brought in Josh Schache from Brisbane after trading out Jake Stringer. Picture: Getty Images

Dons list manager Adrian Dodoro said: “The thing about Jake is that he has been upfront about everything and we have done our work.”

Stringer said in a statement: “The move to Essendon is a great opportunity and new beginning for me both on and off the field. I’m focused on being the best footballer, parent and person I can be.’’

Clearly, he has issues and the Bombers will help him with those issues.

The Bulldogs also tried to address these same issues with Stringer, but felt at the end it was like talking to a brick wall. So Beveridge punted him.

At 23, Stringer has been given a second opportunity to realise his talent and to grow up.

If he does, Dodoro will be hailed as a genius.

For so long the most difficult club to deal with, Dodoro and others convinced Stringer, Devon Smith and Adam Saad to want to join the club and then nailed all three deals.

In trade folklore, that’s considered a miracle.

“It’s just a great day for the club,’’ Dodoro said.

Adelaide gave up two first round picks for Bryce Gibbs. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

The most despised club in the land in the past five years because of the drugs scandal is back in the game.

At St Kilda, they hunted at different times this year Nathan Fyfe, Josh Kelly, Adam Tomlinson and Devon Smith.

They landed Austin Login. Hopefully, one day they’ll land a big fish. Hopefully.

At Collingwood, the team which finished 13th this year, it was equally as quiet. You have to wonder if there was salary cap problems, or they were gun shy, such was their next to nothing activity.

At North Melbourne, who were all guns blazing in free agency, were also impotent.

The winners, in no particular order, were Port Adelaide, Essendon, Carlton and Fremantle, who go into the draft with No.2 and No.5 and picked up Brandon Matera and Nathan Wilson.

The Blues were masterful. Out Gibbs, in Kennedy, Lang and a first-rounder and they’d probably think they did over the Crows on Gibbs.

As for the Crows, it was a risk worth taking.

Originally published as Jake Stringer trade a risk for both Essendon and Western Bulldogs, writes Mark Robinson