Dogs may give Jake a lifeline
WESTERN Bulldogs will keep Jake Stringer at the club next season if they cannot secure a satisfactory trade deal for the star goalkicker.
The Bulldogs are seeking a top-10 pick for the AllAustralian forward and remain adamant he will not be moved on at a discounted rate, despite some recent personal issues.
Stringer, 23, was likened to Gary Ablett Sr for his marking power and freakish goal kicking as he helped steer the Dogs to a stunning premiership last year.
But his trade worth has been questioned over the past fortnight amid explosive allegations from his former partner, Abby Gilmore, about some personal problems.
Stringer has vowed to address the on and off-field shortcomings that contributed to his inconsistent form this year.
The 192cm excitement machine is today expected to decide between Essendon (picks No.11 and No.28) and Geelong (picks No.20 and No.33) as his preferred new home for next season.
But premiership list chief Jason McCartney said Stringer was going nowhere unless the Dogs received adequate compensation for a player of his immense talent and age.
Greater Western Sydney kept key forward Cameron McCarthy against his wishes for one season in 2016 before trading him to Fremantle in a swap for pick No.3 late last year.
“We have said we are happy to explore any options that Jake may have, but if we cannot achieve a satisfactory agreement with another club he will remain with the Western Bulldogs for another year,” McCartney said.
“We are very clear on that. Jake is contracted for next season and we would look forward to him playing with us in 2018 if a deal doesn’t work out over the next few weeks.”
The Dogs are eager to jump back into the finals next season and want to claim versatile Port Adelaide ruckman Jackson Trengove when the free agency period starts tomorrow.