Adam Saad deal could scupper Jake Stringer trade, plus updates on Bryce Gibbs and Josh Schache

COULD Essendon’s pursuit of Adam Saad scupper their hopes of snaring Jake Stringer? Plus, updates on Bryce Gibbs, Josh Schache and Nathan Wilson.

Adam Saad on the run ahead of Paul Puopolo.

IF ESSENDON hand over a future pick for Gold Coast’s Adam Saad does that end any hope of securing exiled Bulldog Jake Stringer?

With the Bombers already trading pick No.11 for Devon Smith, trading a future pick for Saad would rule out any 2018 picks being involved in the Stringer deal.

Under AFL rules a club can trade a future first-round pick but not then a future second-round or further-round pick and vice versa.

TOUGH SPOT: STRINGER CAMP CONCEDES DONS MOVE “TRICKY”

TRADE RE-CAP: ALL THE NEWS AND RUMOURS FROM DAY 5

NO THANKS: TIGERS, DOCKERS WON’T HELP RESCUE STRINGER DEAL

Herald Sun trade and draft expert Sam Landsberger says it will now be very hard for Stringer to wear the red and black in 2018.

“The Suns and Bombers aren’t too far apart,” he said during Friday’s trade chat.

“Expect Saad to get done for a future pick, given Gold Coast already holds 2, 20, 23, 25, 36 and 38.

To a separate question he said: “I believe them (Bulldogs) when they say they’ll take him (Stringer) back. Mind you, 24 and 29 isn’t too bad a deal.

Adam Saad in action for Gold Coast. Picture: Mike Batterham

Jake Stringer could still play for the Bulldogs in 2018.

QUESTION FROM AARON: If Port Adelaide get Steven Motlop will they still have cap room or even want Jack Watts still?

SAM SAYS: Hi Aaron, they should do. Clearing Jackson Trengove and Jarman Impey and possibly Aaron Young and Brendon Ah Chee helps create space. Adding Watts, Tom Rockliff and Motlop into a finals side would probably be best-afield in October.

QUESTION FROM RHONDA: Should Carlton be looking at getting some mature players and if Bryce Gibbs hasn’t requested a trade why all this talk of him going?

SAM SAYS: Rhonda, There is a belief that Gibbs still wants to go home - but after what happened last year doesn’t want to sing it to the world again for it to go nowhere. If something can be struck, expect it to be kept hidden until the latest point.

QUESTION FROM TIM: Any chance of Adam Saad being done today?

SAM SAYS: Hi Tim, Yeah, there is. The Suns and Bombers aren’t too far apart. Expect Saad to get done for a future pick, given Gold Coast already holds 2, 20, 23, 25, 36 and 38.

Jackson Trengove shows off his new Western Bulldogs jumper. Picture: Nathan Lay

QUESTION FROM BRENDAN: Jackson Trengove and Hayden Crozier in and Jack Stringer out (potentially) - are the Dogs in a stronger position and could they challenge again?

SAM SAYS: Brendan, they can definitely challenge again because they still have a premiership list. Jarman Impey would’ve been a great fit. They were disappointed to lose him to Hawthorn. Also got pick No.9, if they can get a second early pick they’ll just keep building that young talent nicely.

Q UESTION FROM LUKE: Do you think the difficulties with the Jake Stringer deal are “white noise” and that the Bulldogs will eventually relent for a lower deal?

SAM SAYS: No, Luke. I believe them when they say they’ll take him back. Mind you, 24 and 29 isn’t too bad a deal.

QUESTION FROM JAMES: Sam, how do you think the Jake Stringer deal is most likely to happen?

SAM SAYS: Hi, James. The Dogs want an early pick and the Bombers are offering Nos.24 and 29. They need to find a third party to package them up to. Tried to get No.15 off Richmond and No.5 off Fremantle. Both fell over. If they can’t get that up, it is either the Dogs take 24 and 29 or keep Jake.

QUESTION FROM JOHN: Sam, this is not rocket science. What is wrong with the Pies? Pick No.6 to Brisbane in return for Brisbane’s Pick 20 and Josh Schache. A win-win. Collingwood really need another forward especially if Darcy Moore is going to be tried at centre half-back.

SAM SAYS: I’m not sure you’d be parting with pick No.6 for a player who doesn’t really hold interest elsewhere. Plus, the Pies are tight for $$.

Josh Schache celebrates a goal with Mitch Robinson.

QUESTION FROM BRENDAN: Hi Sam, Should St Kilda be looking to trade for Jake Stringer? They have draft picks aplenty and need the X-factor that he would bring.

SAM SAYS: The Saints do need a gamebreaker, and Stringer’s five goals (and three Brownlow votes) against them this year showed just how dangerous he can be. But they just aren’t interested.

QUESTION FROM DAMIEN: Fremantle’s picks No.5, 40 and a later pick to Richmond for Nos.15 & 17? Allows the Dockers to get Nathan Wilson from GWS at a fairer price and Richmond to draft one of the best key position players.

SAM SAYS: The Dockers now have 40 (from the Dogs for Hayden Crozier), 41 and a future second-round pick. I think with those picks they can find a way to seal Nathan Wilson. What a pick up he will be. Creative and quick.

QUESTION FROM SIMON: Sam, what do you think Hawthorn has in play for the remainder of the trade period? Would Billy Hartung, Paul Puopolo or a bigger name player be on the cards for either higher picks or say Jake Stringer or Josh Schache?

SAM SAYS: Hartung is certainly on the table. He’s out of contract with no deal on the table, and has been told it’s a matter of list spots and total player payments. I think the Hawks’ preference is to rise up the draft order (currently entering at No.43) rather than securing anyone ala Schache. And, of course, to send Hodgey off to the Gabba.