Based purely on talent out-of-favour Bulldog star Jake Stringer has few peers. The package includes power, speed and goalkicking, mixed with a healthy dose of match-turning capability.
While questions marks on the 23-year-old’s off-field behaviour are said to be the reason for his impending departure from the kennel, on talent alone there isn’t a team in the competition that wouldn’t welcome his services.
But where does he fit in and how does his presence impact players already at the club that is prepared to pull the trigger on the 2015 All Australian.
We take a look at Stringer’s six possible destinations and dissect his suitability and impact on those already at the club.
ESSENDON
Anchored by superstar Joe Daniher the Bombers are trying to develop Josh Begley, Jayden Laverede and Aaron Francis (they have played him at both ends). At least one looms as a casualty given Orazio Fantasia and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti are locks as small forwards. It could open the door for Cale Hooker to return to defence and the side to opt for a smaller set-up based on speed. Francis has already been linked to Adelaide.
Current draft selections: 11, 28, 46, 65, 83
RICHMOND
On suitability the Tigers shape as the perfect destination given the lack of tall options not named Jack Riewoldt. At 192cm Stringer offers a hybrid tall-small option and would allow the Tigers to retain the current, and successful, game plan based around speed. On face value there isn’t an obvious casualty should Stringer arrive and with two first round draft picks the Tigers have plenty to offer the Dogs.
Current draft selections: 15, 16, 50, 52, 71, 89
GEELONG
Instant casualties include free agents Dan Menzel and Steven Motlop. Motlop is certainly gone and the deal offered Menzel is said to be in the range of $100,000 less than his current deal. Forgotten pair Cory Gregson and Lincoln McCarthy would be nervous while Nakia Cockatoo is the explosive half forward who might eventually end up in the midfield. Geelong is already said to be very much in the market to get GWS Giant Devon Smith and former club champion Gary Ablett. A 23-year-old Stringer in the right frame of mind is a better option than Ablett. A bursting salary cap casts further doubt on the Cats’ ability to attract the forward.
Current draft selections: 20, 33, 51, 70, 88
CARLTON
Stringer’s age and talent makes him the perfect target for the Blues given the goalkicker can grow with a team that is still a few years off challenging. Stringer alongside Jack Silvagni, Charlie Curnow, Harry McKay and Levi Casboult shapes as enticing. As good as Matthew Wright has been the arrival of Stringer would be a huge upgrade. By every measure – bar off field – the fit is a good one.
Current draft selections: 3, 38, 56, 75
ST KILDA
The signature of Stringer would surely spell the end for Paddy McCartin or Josh Bruce at the Saints. A forwardline containing Bruce, McCartin, Tim Membrey, alongside Stringer, looms as cumbersome and in all likelihood unworkable. One option for coach Alan Richardson could be to drive Stringer’s fitness and rebirth him as a midfielder, but it’d be a gamble given it’s a role the Bulldog has rarely been able to sustain throughout his five-year career. If it was to work it would give the Saints a different look and allow the three-pronged forwardline to remain.
Current draft selections: 7, 8, 43, 57, 61
NORTH MELBOURNE
Todd Goldstein in a straight swap for Stringer is not the silliest idea that trade week will throw up. Stringer working as a half-forward alongside Ben Brown, Mason Wood, Taylor Garner and Ben McKay is certainly workable, given the side finds a speed pressure small to provide ground level support. Given the youth and developing nature of the Roos list, there isn’t an obvious casualty to make way for the Bulldog.
Current draft selections: 4, 21, 44, 62, 76