KFC SuperFooty TV: Michael Warner and Jay Clark look at the big issues in the AFL

Jake Stringer’s contract isn’t just about money. It is also about length of years. What is the perfect balance for the player and club? Watch KFC SuperFooty TV.

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July 8, 2021 - 8:19AM

News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

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Essendon’s list management team has hit two home runs in the past month, with Zach Merrett and Darcy Parish committing their futures to the red and black.

But there remains one giant contract still to be finalised.

Jake Stringer’s next deal is one of the most intriguing in the AFL, with debate raging as to just how high the Bombers should go to ensure he remains at Tullamarine.

Out of contract at the end of the season, the 27-year-old has done everything in his power to secure a big payday.

WATCH KFC SUPERFOOTY TV IN THE PLAYER ABOVE

He is posting career high numbers for disposals, tackles, inside 50s and clearances.

Stringer is also averaging 2.2 goals per game, his highest output since the 2015 season with the Western Bulldogs.

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Jake Stringer is out of contract at the end of the season. Picture: Michael Klein

While the dollar figure is one aspect of the negotiations, getting the length of the contract right is also a key element for the Bombers.

On this week’s episode of KFC SuperFooty TV, Michael Warner and Jay Clark took a close look at the Stringer deal.

“Ideally, and I know he has matured a lot, he is probably a player you want to keep more so on the edge,” Clark said.

“This will work itself out. You ask for seven (years) and then you end up landing on three in the end.

“He will stay an Essendon player. He won’t want to move to a third club. He is very settled there. He is one of a couple of dads at the Bombers and playing very good football.

“Why would you leave? Probably, for the first time in his career, he is becoming a leader. Because at the Bulldogs it probably went to his head and he wasn’t ready for the spotlight. He has admitted that.

“I don’t think he is ($700,000). I think if you paid him 3 x $600,000 with a lot of incentives woven in, I think that is about fair.”

Also on this week’s episode the guys looked at Collingwood’s next move in its coaching search, Hawthorn’s succession plan, Melbourne’s form slump and plenty more.