Jake Stringer’s private revelation becomes public amid Essendon contract row
Jake Stringer is reportedly already telling people close to him that he has played his last AFL game for Essendon.
The goalkicking forward is in the midst of a contract dispute with the Bombers, desperate for an upgrade on the one-year extension offer put forward after he hit a trigger for 2025.
The 30-year-old is willing to leave the club as a result, with Collingwood reportedly interested.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Stringer kicked 42 goals and notably played all 23 games for Essendon this year after niggling injuries affected nearly all of his previous campaigns.
Buoyed by his returns, Stringer has backed himself in to find a new home and force a trade despite being out-of-contract as things stand.
“He has $400,000 on that (offer from Essendon) for next year but he wants more money and a longer term of two years,” AFL reporter Cal Twomey said.
“Jake Stringer is telling people he’s played his last game for the Bombers, that he’s done there.
“Collingwood has interest in him, Craig McRae in my understanding has a keenness on him coming into the club because he kicks goals.
“At the moment there isn’t a rush of clubs chasing Stringer, I don’t have the Swans as being a part of that or being interested but I do think there’ll be a home for him.”
Collingwood’s forward line — particularly their talls — struggled with form and injury this year.
Small forwards Bobby Hill, Lachie Schultz and Jamie Elliott filled the top three on their goalkicking chart with Nick Daicos fourth.
Brody Mihocek, last year’s leading goalkicker with 47 goals, played just 11 games for a return of 19 goals while Ash Johnson failed to kick a goal in his three appearances.
Meanwhile, Stringer could be lost to Essendon alongside Jayden Laverde.
Laverde is under contract for next year but wants more security after establishing himself as an AFL regular over the past four years.
The 28-year-old will have interest, according to Twomey, with Geelong and Carlton among those who have been linked to him as well as St Kilda.
