Essendon moving in on Jake Stringer as Devon Smith and Adam Saad choose the Bombers
ESSENDON’S transformation into a destination club is almost complete as it eyes a trio of star recruits in this year’s trade period.
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ESSENDON’S transformation into a destination club is almost complete as it eyes a trio of star recruits in this year’s trade period.
Launching the biggest move of the post-season, the Bombers have made bold plays for Gold Coast defender Adam Saad, GWS Giants’ goalkicker Devon Smith and exiled Western Bulldog powerhouse Jake Stringer.
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Saad, 23, and Smith, 24, have both nominated Essendon as their preferred new home, while Stringer is also leaning towards joining the Bomber s in a major coup for John Worsfold’s men.
Stringer’s manager Robbie D’Orazio is in the final stages of an agreement.
Stringer and Smith would add significant firepower in attack, helping support superstar spearhead Joe Daniher, while Saad’s exhilarating rebound game would light up Etihad Stadium.
Saad’s move could also help send Rising Star winner and No. 1 draft pick Andrew McGrath into an expanded midfield role.
List chief Adrian Dodoro faces a mammoth task to complete all three deals over the next fortnight with negotiations set to ramp up when clubs begin meeting at Etihad Stadium on Monday.
The Bombers have picks No. 11 and No. 28 as well as potential future choices from next year’s draft to pull off the deals.
The Dogs want pick No. 11 for Stringer, 23, and say they will keep him to his contract next season if they cannot strike a suitable deal. Second round picks could help secure Smith, from the Giants, and Suns’ line breaker Saad.
The Bombers could also move on South Australian defender Aaron Francis if required.
Essendon’s trade offensive signals a major turnaround for a club which spent four years in the doldrums and lost a clutch of star players and top draft picks amid the crippling supplements scandal.
But the youthful Bombers emerged from the darkest period in the club’s history this year clinching a finals berth this season.
This month’s recruiting mission would go a long way to helping the Bombers go deeper into September next year with Essendon officials eager to win finals games in 2018. They will be handed a tougher fixture than this year’s draw.
The Herald Sun revealed on Monday Saad, who finished 10th in the Suns’ best and fairest, was on the move home to Victoria.
Saad’s manager John Meesen from i50 had informed Gold Coast he wants to move to Melbourne to be closer to family. Carlton is also an option if a deal falls through with Essendon.
The Suns have said they want a first-round choice for Saad but may have to settle for a top-25 pick. He is contracted up north for two more years.
“There is some cultural sensitivity in his circumstance,” Suns list strategy manager Scott Clayton told the league website.
“We have great respect for each other (and) Adam’s been great. He loves our footy club, but there are some very strong bonded family issues we’ve worked through over the last few years and we’ll continue to do so.
“I’m not sure what that will bring in the next little bit, but certainly we’re doing everything we can in regards to Adam’s position.”
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