Essendon list boss Matt Rosa says there remains “a fair bit to play out” in trade negotiations with GWS for mercurial forward Jake Stringer.
Rosa shut down the prospect of a reunion for the Giants and experienced midfielder Dylan Shiel as he confirmed talks were continuing over Stringer’s future.
The former West Coast wingman, who took over the Bombers’ list management from longtime boss Adrian Dodoro in a succession plan earlier this year, said there was strong interest from GWS.
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Stringer, 30, triggered a contract clause this season to earn a one-year extension at Essendon but has been seeking to secure a multi-year deal.
He did not miss a game all season for the first time in his 12-year career and booted 42 goals.
“We’re continuing talks with Jake’s management group, and we’ve picked up some discussions with GWS as well, they’ve shown some interest,” Rosa told AFL Trade Radio on Tuesday.
“We’ll continue having those discussions over the next couple of days, but not too much has changed over the last few days.
“There’s still a fair bit to play out. We’ll continue to work through it, as we’ve stated with our position, Jake’s a contracted player and played really good football for us this year.
“I spoke to Jason (GWS list boss Jason McCartney) yesterday and we’ll continue to talk, but I can’t really give too much further comment on that at this stage.”
Rosa said Shiel, 31, was set to remain at Essendon after denying there had been talks with his former Giants about a potential trade.
The left-footer returned from a frustrating long-term injury battle to play nine games, including the final eight of the season, averaging 21 disposals and four clearances.
“No discussions with the Giants around Dylan. He finished the year really strongly for us, and we expect him to be at the Dons,” Rosa said.
“He’s an important part of our group in terms of (how) he’s an absolute professional and a good influence on our young group, so we expect him to be at the Dons next year.”
Rosa said contracted defender Jayden Laverde was also expected to stay amid reports he had been seeking a longer commitment from the club.
“We do (expect him to stay). That’s another one we’ve been talking through (regarding) the tenure aspect. Jayden, again, played some really good footy this year and almost played every game,” he said.
“He should take a lot of confidence from that, but we haven’t had too many in-depth conversations with Jayden’s management group about him.”
Rosa said a pick swap with Melbourne, which sent the Bombers’ No.9 pick to the Demons along with a future third-rounder for a bundle of picks, including a future first, was a way to “maximise our draft hand over a two-year period”.
He said it would also leave them in a better position to match a bid for NGA small forward Isaac Kako.
“It is a need for our list, there’s no doubt we need to strengthen our capabilities in the forward half,” Rosa said.
“We’ve been able to see his development and how much he’s grown. He’s dynamic, he’s good above his head, he’s a threat around the goals, but the most important thing is he’s a really good character.
“We see him as a first-round talent, as I’m sure a lot of other clubs do as well.”
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