Stringer to Essendon as Bulldogs back off
ESSENDON are toasting a “marvellous” trade period after sealing a deal for premiership forward Jake Stringer after a fortnight of tense negotiations.
The 2015 All-Australian was dealt to the Bombers in exchange for two second-round draft picks, with negotiations with the Western Bulldogs dragging into the final 90 minutes before yesterday afternoon’s deadline.
Stringer joins Essendon on a four-year deal, having played 89 games and booted 160 goals for the Bulldogs.
“The move to Essendon is a great opportunity and new beginning for me both on and off the field,” he said in a club statement.
“I’m focused on being the best footballer, parent and person I can be, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity in front of me.”
The Bulldogs put Stringer on the trade table last month as coach Luke Beveridge grew tired of his ill-discipline.
Essendon were quick to show interest and were eventually rewarded, with Stringer joining Devon Smith (GWS Giants) and Adam Saad (Gold Coast) in moving to the Bombers. List manager Adrian Dodoro was delighted to secure the trio.
“It caps off a marvellous trade period for the club to get three high-quality players ... three players we think have got the ability to be All Australian players in years to come,” he said.
“The celebration for our football club is we’re relevant again and we’re respected in the industry. We’re playing finals and it’s just great players want to come to our club.”
The Bulldogs had looked to leverage the fact that Stringer was contracted through 2018 by asking for a first-round draft pick. But Essendon stood their ground and the Dogs eventually relented, paving the way for Stringer to revive his promising career under the guidance of John Worsfold.
The Bombers coach said he expected the 23-year-old to play an important role in the midfield as well as up forward.
“Jake obviously adds talent to our team and, importantly, he understands the cultural standards and values the team has established,” Worsfold said.
The Bulldogs later landed Josh Schache as a replacement tall, sending picks 25 and 40 to Brisbane for the second pick in the 2015 draft.