AFL Trade news: Jake Stringer could be traded for late draft pick

Essendon is open to trading inconsistent star Jake Stringer to GWS as the 30-year-old considers a beefed-up offer from the Giants.

Jake Stringer of the Bombers. Picture: Michael Klein

Essendon matchwinner Jake Stringer is seriously considering joining the premiership push at Greater Western Sydney on a beefed-up two-year deal.

Stringer has spoken with the Giants about a move north to play alongside Coleman Medalist Jesse Hogan after suffering a significant loss of “trust” at Tullamarine, according to Essendon legend Matthew Lloyd.

The Bombers are open to a deal on Stringer, 30, if the two clubs can agree on terms as part of a shift into a new era at Essendon.

It represents a relatively low-risk move for GWS, which could offer Stringer a two-year deal on about $450,000 plus bonuses and incentives after a heartbreaking straight-sets finals exit this year.

New Essendon list boss Matt Rosa has said the club is happy to keep Stringer on a one-year deal.

But the club has been unmoved on offering Stringer, who kicked 42 goals this year, a more lucrative extension beyond 2025.

A decision on his next move is expected in the next 48 hours with the brilliant forward becoming increasingly open to one last crack at a second flag at a third club.

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Jake Stringer could be headed to a third club. Picture: Michael Klein

His inconsistencies have been a frustration at Essendon, but the Giants are interested in his goalkicking prowess and mobile marking power as they aim for another top-four spot in 2025.

But there are considerable family considerations for Stringer, who has children in Victoria.

Stringer has links to GWS football manager Jason McCartney, who oversaw the call to draft Stringer to the Bulldogs when they were at the kennel as part of the 2016 premiership blueprint.

The decision to trade Stringer to Essendon was led by coach Luke Beveridge.

GWS was still weighing up the move to make a play for Stringer on Tuesday night, but the trade would not be expected to cost the Giants an early draft pick.

After 12 seasons in the AFL, which have produced 367 goals across 212 games, Stringer’s move would potentially net the Bombers a third-round pick, at best.

GWS has pick 56 to trade to Essendon as it navigates the loss of Harry Perryman, Isaac Cumming and James Peatling.

Jake Stringer has been offered a one-year deal by Essendon. Picture: Michael Klein

Lloyd said Stringer had significantly more talent than players such as Jack Graham and Alex Neal-Bullen, who had found new homes in recent days.

The Bombers’ goalkicking great said the forward should have as many three more seasons in him if he can meet the training and lifestyle standards expected.

“There are not many players who can kick 42 goals in this game,” Lloyd said on 3AW.

“But because of the inconsistency both on the field and off the field, I presume, no one trusts you.

“Even your own club doesn’t have it at the moment.

“The Bombers should be giving him two years but they either want to keep him hungry or they would prefer that he finds another club.

“Bombers internally wouldn’t be fussed. They probably hope he finds another club, which is telling them he has not got it right again, even at this age.”