Jake Stringer has met Essendon coach Mark McVeigh as the Bombers consider a surprise move to bring the veteran goalkicker back to the club.
Stringer was released by Greater Western Sydney at the end of the season despite leading the Giants’ scoring with 48 goals. He has since returned to Melbourne in the hope of continuing his AFL career with a Victorian side.
Essendon has emerged as a possible destination, with the meeting between Stringer and McVeigh taking place on Sunday morning. The pair also have a family connection, as Stringer is married to McVeigh’s cousin.
7NEWS reporter Xander McGuire said Stringer’s camp remained hopeful of securing a place on an AFL list, although Essendon had other priorities to address first.
“Stringer camp is hopeful of securing a list spot. Bombers have higher priorities to get through. Plenty to play out,” McGuire said.
Jake Stringer open to life beyond AFL
The 32-year-old spent seven seasons at Essendon and won the club’s leading goalkicker award three times. He arguably produced his best season for the Bombers in 2024, when he scored 42 goals, before leaving for the Giants on a two-year deal.
Stringer’s future remains uncertain, but he is understood to be comfortable with the prospect of ending his playing career. Reporter Tom Morris said Stringer had told him he would be “fine” if another club did not select him.
“He’s happy to do some coaching, hopefully start his academy, help out young kids, do other things, spend time with the family,” Morris said on AFL Trade Radio.
Morris added that Stringer no longer viewed AFL football as “the be-all and end-all” and would be content to pursue other opportunities in 2027 if he was not offered another playing contract.
Stringer’s perspective was said to have shifted after he travelled overseas in the off-season to visit his brother and his family in Ireland.
Originally selected by the Western Bulldogs with the fifth pick in the 2012 draft, Stringer played 89 games for the club, including its 2016 premiership, before joining Essendon ahead of the 2018 season. He was an All-Australian in 2015.
Former AFL player Tom Mitchell said Stringer could be considered by a club through the pre-season supplemental selection period, allowing him to train before a decision was made on his future.
“He seems like the type of player that you might want him as a train-on and train until February and prove yourself and show your fitness,” Mitchell said. “But I wouldn’t have one in mind at the moment.”
