Rival AFL clubs have warned that Essendon X-factor player Jake Stringer is not the full package he once appeared to be.
The enigmatic goalkicker was famously described by Channel 7 commentator Brian Taylor as having “the full package” of traits to complete a prototype hybrid AFL star, for which he earned his nickname, The Package.
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But while his offensive game is rarely questioned — albeit at times it can be inconsistent — it’s his defensive traits that have come under the microscope from potential suitors.
Stringer has had a 2025 contract trigger from Essendon on the table for some time now, but has reached an impasse with the club, who have refused to bend to his request for an extra year on the deal.
It’s forced the 2016 Western Bulldogs premiership player to assess his options elsewhere, and it’s becoming increasingly likely that he has played his last game for Essendon.
“It’s looking that way,” Mitch Cleary said on Talking Footy.
“He’s got the one-year option at Essendon right now; he wants two years, his management’s confident they can find that two years.
“Collingwood’s been a club that’s been linked — I think it’s still pretty early days on that one. I don’t think it’s as strong as maybe it’s been suggested elsewhere.”
But Stringer’s value on the open market would be tempered, it seems, by his lack of defensive pressure, most of which can only truly be identified through behind-the-goals vision.
“Clubs have raised concerns around his behind-the-goals vision,” Cleary said.
“Is he chasing enough? He kicks goals, clearly he’s one of the more potent goal kickers at the Bombers this year. But is he applying the pressure?
“Clubs I’ve spoken to today have raised concerns about his behind-the-goals vision and what he provides when the Bombers don’t have the ball.”
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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.
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.
But Peter Wright, despite losing his place in the side late in the year, will not be going anywhere.
“Just sticking with the Bombers, Peter Wright is signed until 2027,” Cleary said.
“(He was) dropped late in the year. He’s actually met with the Bombers and his management in recent days. He’s assured them he doesn’t want out, and the Bombers have assured him that they won’t be trading him.”