Stringer’s trade struggle

EXILED Western Bulldogs forward Jake Stringer is having a challenging time dealing with his uncertain future as he prepares to find a new AFL home over the coming weeks.

Essendon and Geelong lead the race for the 2015 All-Australian goalkicker who was shocked to be put on the trade table a fortnight ago.

There have been explosive allegations about Stringer made by his former partner Abby Gilmore last Saturday, which former Port Adelaide great Kane Cornes said could damage his overall trade value.

Stringer’s manager Paul Connors would not be drawn on the matter yesterday, saying that was a private issue.

But he admitted the 23year-old was struggling with the uncertainty.

“I don’t think he is finding it that great at all,” Connors said.

“But they are the things with football.

“You’ve got to go out there and play on the big stage and he has done that in a grand final. He’s 23 years of age and he’s kicked a lot of goals.

“I think his improvement (could be) huge, I think he is going to be a better player in years to come, that’s for sure.”

Stringer is expected to nominate his preferred destination in the coming days, but Connors is not worried about the time frame, confident it will be sorted out next week.