Western Bulldogs hunt West Coast first rounder in bid to help facilitate Jake Stringer move to Essendon
THE Bulldogs have turned to an interstate club to help solve the Jake Stringer dilemma as the clock ticks towards trade deadline. HERE’S THE DEAL
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WESTERN Bulldogs has turned to West Coast to help save the Jake Stringer dilemma as the clock ticks towards Thursday’s 2pm trade deadline.
The Dogs want to claim a first-round selection for the loss of Stringer and held discussions with the Eagles yesterday about securing their pick No. 13.
Essendon has offered picks No. 25 and No. 30 for Stringer and the Dogs could on-trade those two selections, plus a sweetener, in return for West Coast’s top choice.
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The Herald Sun understands the Dogs have raised multiple options with West Coast but are yet to formalise any offer in writing.
The Eagles loom as perhaps the last possible circuit-breaker for the Dogs after Richmond, Brisbane and Fremantle rebuffed similar offers for their early selections late last week.
Without a third party lifeline, the Bulldogs must decide whether to keep Stringer at the kennel against his will or buckle on their demands and accept Essendon’s two second-round choices.
Football director Chris Grant maintains “there is every chance” Stringer can stay.
Industry sources are convinced the Dogs would lose out in the Stringer trade unless they can secure a first-round pick in a weak draft for their premiership star.
“Two second-round picks will still get the Dogs a couple of nice players, but will they equal a Jake Stringer? I have my doubts,” former Hawthorn recruiter Gary Buckenara said.
The Eagles today confirmed they had held talks with Dogs’ list chief Jason McCartney, but would only part with pick No. 13 for a compelling offer.
The two clubs are expected to resume discussions today.
Stringer, 23, yesterday jetted out to the US with teammates Jason Johannisen and Matthew Suckling, saying he did not want to return to the kennel next year.
He is contracted for one more season.
Essendon list chief Adrian Dodoro said he was “optimistic” the All-Australian would be wearing red and black in 2018, capping off a stunning trade period.
Pick No. 25 and No. 30 is Essendon’s final offer for Stringer.
“The ball’s in their court,” Dons list manager Adrian Dodoro said yesterday.
“We’re just sitting by the phone, waiting for the Bulldogs to get back to us.
Complicating the Dogs’ position is that clubs believe there is a significant drop-off in draft talent after the first dozen prospects.
Recruiters are desperate to hold early selections, believing star players will be much harder to find in the second and third rounds of next month’s national draft.
Sydney holds No. 14 but has not yet spoken with to the Dogs or Dons about a Stringer deal.
The Swans would only get involved if they could secure an extra 2018 first-round selection in addition to either No. 25 or No. 30.
Stringer’s manager Paul Connors yesterday said he was unhappy with the Dogs’ demands for his client after putting him up for trade last month.
“Why do these clubs just dictate when they want to kick a player out, what pick they get ... I’ll be asking a few more questions when we go to these discussions,” Connors told the league website.
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