Jake Stringer is struggling with his uncertain future, says manager Paul Connors

JAKE Stringer is close to declaring where he wants to play football in 2018 and beyond after being placed on the trade table by the Bulldogs but is struggling with the uncertainty of trade time.

Jake Stringer is struggling with the uncertainty of his playing future. Picture: Michael Klein

EXILED Western Bulldogs forward Jake Stringer is having a challenging time dealing with his uncertain future.

Essendon and Geelong are leading the race for the All-Australian goal kicker who was surprised to be put on the trade table by his club a fortnight ago.

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The Herald Sun on Saturday detailed some explosive allegations about Stringer from his former partner, Abby Gilmore last Saturday, which former Port Adelaide great Kane Cornes said could damage his overall trade value.

Jake Stringer looks certain to leave the Bulldogs. Picture: AAP

Stringer’s manager Paul Connors would not be drawn on the issue on Tuesday, saying that was a private matter.

But he admitted the 23-year-old was struggling with the uncertainty surrounding his future.

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“I think he is finding the situation incredibly stressful,” Connors said at the TAB Spring Carnival launch. “But they are the things with football.

“He’s 23 years of age. I think he is going to be a better player in the years to come and will learn a lot from this experience.”

Stringer is expected to nominate his preferred destination in the coming days, but Connors is not worried about the time frame, confident it will be sorted out when the trade window opens next week.

“There’s no rush, we’ve got time,” Connors said. “I think you’ve got to allow the process to take place.

“He’s just working through it as well. He’s had a whirlwind few weeks, he’s had a couple of weeks to think about this but he’s got a few issues he’s dealing with and he’ll address that in due course.

Jake Stringer is struggling with the uncertainty of his playing future. Picture: Michael Klein

“In time he’ll make a decision on where he thinks is best for his football.”

Meanwhile, Connors said retired Hawk Luke Hodge hasn’t made a final decision on coming out of what could be his short-lived retirement, with the Brisbane Lions.

But it seems certain the 33-year-old will continue his career with the Lions, with his family keen on the move.

“It’s just something that is appealing to his family and that’s on the back of helping youngsters and what he did with Hawthorn last year,” Connors said.

“It would be great for Brisbane if it came off ... I don’t know where he’s heading. I know his wife is very supportive of the potential move.”