Bombers want ‘adequate’ return for Stringer; Pick 9 plans, veteran duo’s future and more — Trade Whispers

Essendon list boss Matt Rosa says the club would need “adequate compensation” for Jake Stringer as a trade to GWS builds momentum.

Stringer is reportedly keen on a move to Western Sydney as the Giants and Essendon pick up talks for the 30-year old goalkicker that’s expected to involve a late pick, GWS’ 53 or 56.

Speaking on AFL Trade Radio’s Gettable, Rosa wasn’t willing to comment specifically on what the Bombers would ask for back in the trade.

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“I won’t speculate on that given no official request has been made. Like any other player, the fact Jake is a contracted player, we’d need adequate compensation,” he said.

The Giants currently own selections 15, 16, 21, 37, 53, 56 and 74 and are expected to receive a future second-round pick for James Peatling, who’s requested a trade to Adelaide.

Stringer is contracted for 2025 after hitting a trigger worth around $400,000, but the veteran forward been seeking a longer deal elsewhere, with Essendon reportedly happy to facilitate a move to allow that.

He’s coming off a 42-goal season for the Bombers — the second-most at the club and his best return since crossing from the Western Bulldogs at the end of 2017.

Rosa said Stringer hadn’t officially asked for a trade.

“No formal position on that (Stringer requesting a move to the Giants). The Giants have shown some interest, we caught up with GWS over the weekend and they expressed Jake is someone they potentially could be keen to explore,” he added.

“No official request, we’re speaking with (the Giants) and keeping in constant contact with Jake’s management group.

“We’ll work through that one as more info comes to light.”

After reportedly being told he was free to explore his options on the market, Stringer had some interest from Collingwood and Sydney before the Giants link progressed in recent days.

“Jake is obviously locked into a one-year deal, we’ve been in discussions around the tenure aspect. Jake, as you can understand, is looking for security with the age he’s at,” Rosa continued.

“We’ve been aware they’ve been exploring options. He’s played some really good football for us this year. The fact he’s locked into a one-year deal is currently where it sits.”

Rosa address several other topics regarding Essendon’s off-season plans and trade movement …

On the plans with Pick 9 …

“We’re still living in the space we’re where assessing all our options. We have had some offers and interest in that Pick 9 — whether it be for us to move back and potentially move into the future.

“We’re in a position where we’ve really got to listen to all opportunities. Clearly as has been widely publicised, the pointy end of this draft is strong. It would need to be quite a special offer for us to consider giving up Pick 9 at this stage.

“But we’re listening to all options at the moment.”

On how many draft picks they expect to use …

“I think we’ll be in the range for three to four picks. Currently we only hold the two picks inside the first two rounds (9 and 31).

“Clearly our strategy is to improve our draft hand if we can. We’re really keen to bring in some more young talent to compliment the core group of payers that have played 50 and 150 games.

“We really want to build that talent from beneath and get the boys coming through together, a core group that can take us forward.”

On potentially moving forward to ensure they get in before an Isaac Kako bid …

“We’ve explored that as well, we’ve spoken to some clubs ahead of us if there’s a potential of moving up. But I think as time goes on we’ve realised it’s going to be hard to move up in this draft because everyone is valuing those high picks.

“It’s something we’ll keep exploring but I’d say it’s unlikely at this stage.”

On what to expect from Isaac Kako …

“He’s clearly an exciting player and someone we’ve had deep involvement with over a long period of time.

“He was first aligned with Essendon as a 12-year old and has come through the NGA pathway.

“Clearly dangerous in front of goals and a real threat. We look forward to spending a bit more time with Isaac before the draft as we make our final decisions. Clearly there’s a bit to play out around where picks sit and how our final draft hand ends up.

“Bit of water to go under the bridge, but he’s certainly a player we like with some special talent.”

On Dylan Shiel’s future …

“We do expect Dylan to be at the footy club next year, nothing has changed in that sense. There was clearly some interest in Dylan last year and there’s been a little bit spoken about him publicly this year as well.

“But he finished the year really strongly for us, he brings a lot in terms off field as well — he’s a real pro. That situation hasn’t changed.”

On Jayden Laverde’s future …

“Exactly the same (as Shiel). Jayden is a contracted player and played the majority of the games this year and played an important role. That’s where that sits as well.”

On interest in Finn Maginness …

“We expect him to stay at Hawthorn, I spoke to (Hawks list boss) Mark McKenzie earlier in the week given some comments were made public. Finn was a player we were tracking, particularly when he was out of the AFL team playing VFL footy.

“Clearly our strategy around this year is to protect or improve our draft hand. We’ve been exploring a lot of players out of contract or playing at the lower levels. Finn was one of those but he finished the season really strongly and played some good finals footy.”

On failed pursuit of Conor Stone …

“We clearly had some interest in Connor and we met him last week. He’s someone we’d be tracking throughout the season given he was playing a lot of VFL footy and was out of contract at the end of the year.

“We probably weren’t surprised he decided to stick with the Giants given their list changes that have taken place, he can see real opportunity there. But he was someone we liked and were tracking closely.”

On Will Setterfield and Sam Weideman’s futures …

“Unfortunately those boys are still on hold at the moment given the flexibility we need around list spots.

“Keeping in constant contact with those guys. But it seems to be more and more across the competition that there’s more guys in limbo, which is tough.

“We’d prefer them not to be in that spot but unfortunately we need a bit more time to sort through what picks we might have and how many list spots we’ll have available.”

On interest in Jaxon Prior …

“Jaxon is in that basket of guys out of contract we’ve watched closely. But there’s still a bit to play out with where our list spots are going to end up.

“He played some really good VFL footy — we saw that in the finals series for Brisbane — he’s got some talent. Hopefully he can get some more time at AFL level next year.”

On overall list plan …

“I think they were important acquisitions last year, to be able to bring in four players that filled specific list needs for us.

“But we have a strong core of players that we feel there’s going to be plenty of growth from within.

“We’re still always looking to explore all avenues to bring in talent, whether that be free agency or delisted free agents. This year we haven’t explored the trade market because we are really keen to hit the draft and keep bringing in young talent.

“Clearly we’re spending a lot of time to make sure we’ve got the best environment tin the footy club where they’re going to develop and thrive.

“We’re going to have a younger list next year potentially, which will create opportunities for youth. As we saw this year with guys like Nate Caddy and Archie Roberts they showed some real promising signs.

“Especially with some of the list changes we’ve made, there’s going to be plenty of opportunity for youth and our player and fans should be exciting about that.”