Don’s secret clause as trio on trade radar; rival eyes Dogs gun amid $1.5m dilemma: Whispers
Jake Stringer has hit a unique contract trigger as two other Bombers are being circled by rival clubs.
Plus a suitor has emerged for an All-Australian Western Bulldog.
Catch up on all the latest player movement news in AFL Trade Whispers!
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STRINGER HITS CLAUSE… BUT FUTURE UNCERTAIN AS DONS BEING CIRCLED
Essendon livewire Jake Stringer has hit a “little known” trigger clause in his contract that gives him an extension for 2025, reports the Herald Sun’s Jay Clark.
It means Stringer, who booted 42 goals from 23 games to hit the clause despite originally wanting a two-year extension, isn’t out of contract like it’s been reported.
However the 30-year old’s future remains clouded.
Clark revealed Essendon could “hold firm” and hold him to his current deal or trade the ex-Bulldog to a third club ahead of a defining off-season for Brad Scott and company after the Bombers’ second consecutive late-season fade-out.
It’s believed Stringer would only consider moving to another team for a multi-year deal.
“If your Carlton, Hawthorn or Geelong, do you want a 42-goal forward? That’s only one less Jamarra Ugle-Hagan,” Clark said on Fox Footy’s Midweek Tackle.
“Do you have a throw at the stumps to try and pry him out of Essendon and get him to a third club?
“On his day he’s one of the best forward match winners in the competition. It’s a fascinating situation.
“There’s a situation here for Brad Scott whether he wants to reshape the list, send a statement and change things up — potentially culturally as much as on the field.”
Stringer’s 42 goals this year mark his best return since moving to Tullamarine in 2018, while it’s the same return as Geelong All-Australian contender Tyson Stengle.
Fellow Herald Sun reporter Scott Gullan argued Stringer is a scapegoat at the Bombers.
“There are other problems here that Brad Scott can move on,” Gullan said.
“We haven’t mentioned Peter Wright, he was their best goalkicker two years ago, now he’s a complete disappearing act.
“Stringer won them games this year — two or three games he lit it up. If I’m a premiership contender, I’d take Stringer.”
Stringer might not be the only departure at Essendon.
Veteran defender Jayden Laverde is drawing interest from rival Victorian clubs despite being contracted for 2025, reports Clark.
“If you’re Laverde, you know Essendon and Brad Scott love Zach Reid. If he’s ever gong to get right with his body, he’s coming in to play that second defensive role (after Ben McKay).
“They’ve got Jordan Ridley and they paid massive money for McKay.”
MORE TRADE: Demon’s ‘difficult’ road; flag contender must ‘hold firm’ — Potential AFL trade bargains
Meanwhile Collingwood is reportedly eyeing a move for former Pick 13 Ben Hobbs, who played just 12 games this season, amid a midfield logjam at the Bombers.
“They’ve got Sam Durham and Jye Caldwell, who’s leapfrogged him, Zach Merrett, Darcy Parish. Elijah Tsatas needs some exposure next year and Will Setterfield is in that midfield mix as well,” Clark added.
“So what does the future hold for Ben Hobbs? I know preliminary enquiries have been made particularly from Collingwood.
“They’re looking for midfield depth, Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom will go on for one more year… but they need a bigger body, almost another Taylor Adams.”
DEES EXPECTED TO TARGET AA DOG
Melbourne is expected to show interest in All-Australian Bulldog Caleb Daniel should he pursue a trade at season’s end.
After spending the majority of the season in the sub vest or outside the senior side, Daniel has returned to form over the last fortnight, averaging over 24 disposals in the Dogs’ wins over GWS and North Melbourne.
Daniel, who’s contracted at Whitten Oval for two more seasons, told the Herald Sun on the weekend he ‘hopes’ to remain at the club but stopped short of guaranteeing his future.
And Clark believes the Demons will show “significant interest” given they’re in need of a “playmaker in the Angus Brayshaw mould”.
“Daniel is going to sit down at the end of the year and have a beer with coach Luke Beveridge and say quite forcefully: ‘Am I in your plans for 2025 or not?’,” Clark said on Fox Footy’s Midweek Tackle.
“Because otherwise, there is a list of clubs as long as your arm who love Daniel. And his form over the past fortnight will only pique that interest.
“Melbourne after losing out on Houston and Brayshaw’s departure is best placed to take on Daniel if it goes that way.
“The Bulldogs know they can’t have $1.5 million worth of salary with Daniel and Jack Macrae in the VFL next year. I think it’s an absolute certainty one of them finds a new home.”
Fellow Herald Sun journalist Josh Barnes added: “(Daniel) loves the Bulldogs and I think he wants to stay.
“But I think he’s realistic and knows he might be out. He’s played eight VFL games and seven AFL games starting as the sub — so essentially 15 games where he’s not in the 22.
“He knows realistically he’s right on the edge at the moment.”
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