Stringer ‘played last game for Bombers’ as Pies circle; Blues trade ‘watch’ amid big calls: Whispers

Jake Stringer’s days as a Bombers appear numbered, with Collingwood circling.

Plus a trade ‘watch’ on a big name at Carlton, and North Melbourne is the favourite to land an Eagles veteran.

Catch up all the latest player movement news in Trade Whispers!

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STRINGER ‘PLAYED LAST GAME FOR BOMBERS,’ MCRAE KEEN

Jake Stringer “is telling people he’s played his last game for the Bombers,” with Craig McRae reportedly leading Collingwood’s interest in the forward, according to AFL Media’s Callum Twomey.

Stringer has emerged as a trade candidate as the 30-year old seeks a longer deal on more money after hitting a trigger clause for 2025 worth $400,000.

The 30-year old, who booted 42 goals this season — one less than Essendon’s leading goalkicker Kyle Langford — was reportedly advised by club bosses to seek opportunities elsewhere if he wanted a longer contract.

Twomey suggested there aren’t many teams currently interested in Stringer, with Sydney, who had been linked to the 2016 premiership Bulldog, not considered a suitor.

“Jake Stringer is telling people he’s played his last game for the Bombers and he’s done there,” Twomey said on AFL Media’s Gettable.

“Collingwood has interest in him. It’s my understanding Craig McRae in particular has a keenness on him coming into the club. Because he kicks goals and he impacts games sporadically.

“At the moment there isn’t a rush of clubs chasing Stringer. I don’t have the Swans being interested, but I do think there will be home for him.”

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‘WATCH’ ON CERRA AMID BIG BLUES CALLS

Carlton gun Adam Cerra has been flagged as a potential trade option as the club faces big calls on several out-of-contract players.

Three years since his high-profile move from Fremantle, Cerra hasn’t quite reached his potential including being hampered by soft tissue injuries.

The 24-year old has suffered five hamstring injuries over the last 12 months as one of several Blues that struggled to stay on the park this year, limiting Cerra to 13 games.

It comes amid reports Carlton could look to secure another first-round pick as part of a bid for Port Adelaide’s Dan Houston.

“In three years at Carlton, has Adam Cerra achieved what he thought they would? Yes, we know about the injuries,” Herald Sun reporter Scott Gullan said on Fox Footy’s Midweek Tackle.

“I think he’s one to watch in this whole scenario

“When the Christian Petracca move was floated, someone high up to me said Carlton can get this deal done with Cerra. He might need a fresh start.

“I don’t think he’s delivered anywhere near the promise the Blues were sold … he was a name that was floated.”

It comes as Herald Sun colleague Jon Ralph reports the Blues “don’t want to keep paying C graders,” suggesting the club’s injury toll has meant they’ve needed to remunerate too many players.

The likes of Jack Martin, who’s been linked to the Dockers and The Age reports is likely to depart, Matt Owies, Caleb Marchbank and Matt Carroll are still waiting on new deals at Ikon Park ahead of exit meetings on Thursday and Friday.

“Fremantle has had a medical with (Martin), Carlton isn’t sure what’s going to happen. I would imagine Jack Martin will be elsewhere,” Ralph said on Midweek Tackle.

“Again, you pay him $300,000 next year in match payments. If he plays no games, you’re wasting a chunk of your cap.”

ROOS’ OFFER FOR DARLING

North Melbourne is reportedly leading the trace for Eagles veteran forward Jack Darling, who has a $800,000 salary for next season, reports the Herald Sun’s Jon Ralph.

Ralph reports the Roos, who’ve also been linked to Swans veteran Luke Parker, have tabled Darling, 32, a two-year deal and are keen to add forward support to Nick Larkey and Cam Zurhaar.

Darling booted career-low 22 goals from 21 games this year but reportedly “believes he has multiple seasons left” in the AFL.

“My understanding is he’s likely got a two-year deal (at North), there’s other clubs out there but they’re probably just there to push his price up,” Ralph said on Fox Footy’s Midweek Tackle.

“He’s on about $800,000 next year, so it’s an interesting equation for West Coast. Do you just say: ‘We want Jack’s wage off our books. Give us a future forth rounder, we don’t care, as long as you absorb the salary.’

“Or are they actually trying to enhance their draft hand? And say: ‘We’ll pay $400,000-$600,000 of his deal and give us say Pick 30’.

“The pitch here is he’s a fitness freak and gets up and down the ground.”

Fellow Herald Sun report Jay Clark added: “His best footy is well behind him, I think North Melbourne need to give the opportunities to young key position players.

“I get Luke Parker, he can be a general in the midfield. But they’re not serious about Jack Darling surely?”