A single text message from GWS to Essendon’s new list manager Matt Rosa on Tuesday evening temporarily halted Jake Stringer’s potential move to the Giants. In short, GWS was only willing to offer pick 53, and they believed the Bombers wouldn’t accept that offer.
From Jake Stringer’s camp, the deal was never truly off. Behind the scenes, the Giants were still interested, but only if the price was right.
On the other hand, Essendon and Matt Rosa believed the negotiations were completely over.
Such scenarios have played out many times before and will continue to do so during the AFL’s annual trade period.
Remember when Fremantle’s head of football, Peter Bell, famously said it would be a “feather in my cap” if they could keep Lachie Neale, and during the 2018 trade period, he announced their pursuit of Jesse Hogan was over because Melbourne’s asking price was too high? Four days later, Hogan became a Docker.
In Jake Stringer’s case, it only took a few hours before Essendon’s Matt Rosa and GWS recruiting manager Adrian Caruso, who was representing the club in Melbourne with list boss Jason McCartney absent, resumed negotiations on Wednesday afternoon.
In the meantime, Connors Sports head Paul Connors and Jake Stringer’s agent, Robbie D’Orazio, learned about the text message on deadline day morning and were just as surprised as Essendon about the situation.
They had come too far to back down now, especially since Stringer had committed to a fresh start in Sydney over the weekend.
Although he triggered a contract clause that secured his spot at Essendon for 2025, Stringer believed he deserved a longer deal and higher pay after kicking 42 goals — his most in a season since the Western Bulldogs’ 2016 premiership year.
Essendon had no issue with the financial aspect — Stringer would have earned around half a million dollars next season if he stayed — but they were firm in refusing to offer him a second year.
From Essendon’s perspective, a one-year deal was the best way to get the most out of Stringer and suited the team, given he turns 31 in April and the squad is relatively young. At that point, Stringer’s management informed the Bombers that he would look for opportunities elsewhere in pursuit of a longer contract.
Collingwood initially showed some interest but eventually withdrew, while the Giants did their due diligence and stayed involved.
GWS coach Adam Kingsley met with Jake Stringer and his agent Robbie D’Orazio in a Melbourne hotel room the week after the grand final. Their conversation was lengthy and honest, covering both the expectations GWS had for Stringer and their excitement about the additional firepower he could bring to the team.
A key part of the process was getting approval from captain Toby Greene.
Given Stringer’s history with the Western Bulldogs—where his connection with GWS list boss Jason McCartney was first established—and the fierce rivalry between the Bulldogs and the Giants, GWS wanted to ensure Greene was comfortable with the idea of bringing in Stringer. Greene, not only fine with the move, became enthusiastic about making it happen.
However, there were many moving parts.
The Bombers wanted to improve their draft hand, and were willing to pay a portion of Stringer’s salary at the Giants if that helped them score a better pick.
Unfortunately, GWS did not have a selection in the 40s, and were unwilling to part with pick 37.
Ultimately, Essendon will not contribute to the dynamic forward’s wage for his new two-year deal at the Giants. There is also no trigger this time, but Stringer is optimistic he will play beyond that – and maybe become a dual premiership player if everything goes well.
The Bombers plan to give forward opportunities to players like Archie Perkins, while exciting Next Generation Academy prospect Isaac Kako will also be joining them at Tullamarine next season.
Meanwhile, Stringer will become part of a GWS attack that already features reigning Coleman medallist Jesse Hogan, Toby Greene, 2022 No.1 draft pick Aaron Cadman, Brent Daniels, Darcy Jones, and Jake Riccardi. The Giants also intend for Stringer to continue his occasional centre-bounce appearances.
Stringer’s fiancée and her two children are expected to move to Sydney with him, though this decision will mean living apart from the two kids he co-parents with his ex-wife.
While it’s another fresh chapter for Stringer, one thing remains the same: he continues to be captivating to watch.