Swans link as Bomber ‘told to explore market’; rising Sun’s shock $12m offer: Trade Whispers

A surprise contender has emerged for the services of an out-of-favour Bomber in 2025.

And a rising Suns star could become the most paid player in the league if rival clubs have their way.

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SYDNEY TO OPEN ARMS FOR OUT OF FAVOUR DON?

A surprise contender for the services of Bomber Jake Stringer has emerged, with minor premiers Sydney suddenly named a potential suitor.

The former Bulldogs premiership star has since called Tullamarine home for seven seasons, but negotiations on a long-term extension between the two parties have stalled – perhaps due to his form slump in the second half of this year.

Speaking on AFL.com.au’s Access All Areas, veteran journalist Damian Barrett expanded on previous news that Essendon had denied both him and Jayden Laverde contract extensions longer than one year.

“The Bombers themselves have made a bold call of sorts already by telling (Stringer) to go and explore the market, because they’re only going to offer him one year,” Barrett revealed.

“I think he let them down late in the season with inaccuracy and weight issues that were not acceptable to the club – so it’s line-ball as to whether he goes back to the Bombers.”

And while Stringer in fact triggered a clause in his contract that allows him to simply accept a one-year extension at the Bombers this off-season, he could well feel entitled to join this year’s ladder-leading list at the Swans.

“A club of interest for his services is the Sydney Swans, who are about to embark on a finals series where they start in pole position.

Stringer’s looming decision comes as the 30-year-old played every single home-and-away match this season for the first time in his career, kicking 42 goals in the process.

Alternative clubs have also been floated as an option for the 2015 All-Australian, but none that look a perfect match, in the words of Herald Sun journalist Jay Clark.

“If you’re Carlton, Hawthorn or Geelong, do you want a 42-goal forward? That’s only one less Jamarra Ugle-Hagan,” Clark told Fox Footy’s Midweek Tackle last Wednesday night.

“Do you have a throw at the stumps to try and pry him out of Essendon and get him to a third club? … It’s a fascinating situation.”

SLICK SUNS YOUNG GUN COULD BE OFFERED WHAT?!

Emerging Gold Coast star Mac Andrew has reportedly been offered an eye-watering amount of money to change clubs when he comes out of contract after 2025.

The key defender levelled up on the big stage in 2024 in his third year at the top level, proving himself an invaluable asset both in defence and up forward for new coach Damien Hardwick.

SEN’s Tom Morris reported on Monday morning that the 20-year-old could be worth as much as any player in the competition come 2026, and initially far more than he first anticipated.

“I told you a few weeks ago that his next contract would be about $1 million per season; I was actually wrong,” Morris said.

“My understanding is one Victorian club has told his manager that they are prepared to offer $1.5 million per year for eight years; that’s a $12 million deal.

“When I took it to his manager Ashley Blair from Pacific Sports Management he said – and I quote – ‘Mac will be at the Suns in 2025, and we’re working closely with them on a longer-term deal’.

“It’s not for this year as much as it is for next year.”

The likes of St Kilda and Essendon, who have cap space and a need for talent, are believed to be Andrew’s most likely suitors.

Collingwood great Nathan Buckley, in response, suggested Andrew would be more valuable than looming trade and free agency targets Sydney’s Chad Warner and Fremantle’s Andrew Brayshaw, given his height and positional versatility.

Earlier this year it was suggested Warner would be offered a salary around $1.5-1.6 million on his next contract by clubs like Fremantle.

Andrew has played 41 games since his debut in 2022, with a season highlight this year undoubtedly his after-the-siren goal against Essendon to end their hopes of a 2024 finals appearance.

He was the No.5 pick in the 2021 Draft and would have gone to Melbourne via their Next Generation Academy had the rules not been changed before his draft.

However Morris reported it was not the Demons who have made the $12 million offer.