John Worsfold says Essendon will ‘seriously consider’ a trade for Jake Stringer if he’s available

ESSENDON coach John Worsfold says the Bombers will “seriously consider” poaching Jake Stringer after reports emerged last week he could be on the move from the Western Bulldogs.

Will Jake Stringer leave the Bulldogs? Picture: Sarah Reed

ESSENDON coach John Worsfold says the Bombers will “seriously consider” poaching Jake Stringer if the Western Bulldogs premiership star is available.

Stringer, 23, is contracted at Whitten Oval until the end of 2018 but reports emerged late last week he could be on the move.

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Worsfold said the Bombers would begin to “ramp up” list management discussions this week.

“We’ll get more into looking at the names that are potentially available,” Worsfold told SEN.

“There’s not a big list out there, we’ll sift through those and say one do they fit into what we’re trying to build (and) are they possibly available for us.

“If Stringer is on that list, obviously, an All-Australian player we’ll have to seriously consider what he might offer us if he’s available.”

Will Jake Stringer leave the Bulldogs? Picture: Sarah Reed

Stringer booted 24 goals in 16 games this season, restricted by hamstring and knee complaints.

He was dropped on the eve of the finals last year but returned for the drought-breaking premiership run.

Respected AFL journalist Mike Sheahan urged the Bulldogs to keep the dynamic forward.

“I’d keep Jake Stringer, they’re too hard to find,” Sheahan told SEN.

“Whatever is ailing him, I’d work on that.”

Bulldogs teammate Mitch Wallis last week said Stringer had some tough decisions to make in coming weeks.

“It’s still up in the air and he still has to really commit to the club,” Wallis said.

“If he decides to stay, he’ll stay for a long time. And if he doesn’t, good luck to him.”