AFL 2024: Collingwood rules out play for Essendon’s Jake Stringer

Collingwood coach Craig McRae has revealed whether the Magpies are still pursuing out-of-contract Bomber Jake Stringer.

Collingwood coach Craig McRae has ruled out making a play for Jake Stringer after admitting the Magpies looked at recruiting the out-of-contract Essendon forward.

McRae rejected reports he had personally driven a push to lure the 30-year-old away from Essendon as he categorically stated the Magpies were no longer interested.

“I heard the rumour, and then went a bit deeper and saw ‘McRae really wants Jake Stringer’,” he told SEN on Wednesday.

“I’ll admit, we looked at it, it came across our desk – Jake Stringer’s not signed, you have a look at the depth of it, but I’m happy to say here that we won’t be bringing Jake Stringer to our footy club.

“There would be many reasons, but to the rumour of I want him, that’s a bit of a stretch.”

Stringer and Essendon were unable to strike a new deal during the season despite the Bombers forward saying earlier this season he wanted to remain.

Collingwood coach Craig McRae has ruled out Jake Stringer joining the Magpies in 2025 despite the Bombers forward remaining without a contract for next season. Picture: Michael Klein

He booted 42 goals in 23 games, with coach Brad Scott last month suggesting he had expected him to stay.

“I’m not going to get into the business of confirming or denying those things, but my wry smile sort of gives a bit away,” Scott said.

“We’ve got a list management team that go about their business – my part in it is to set the vision for the club, coach the players really strongly and create an environment in which we want every player to stay.

“We want other players to see Essendon as a place they’d want to play their footy, but I don’t get involved in the nitty gritty of contract negotiations.”

McRae said Collingwood had investigated the merits of recruiting Stringer, but opted against going any further.

“We did our research and we did all the things behind the scenes, where he fits on the list, money, tenure and whatever … but I’m happy to say he won’t be coming to Collingwood next year,” McRae said.

Collingwood has also been linked to GWS utility Harry Perryman, his teammate James Peatling, and fringe Bombers on-baller Ben Hobbs.

Defender John Noble has requested a trade to Gold Coast.