Former champions Garry Lyon and Tim Watson have argued the merits in favour, and against, a potential trade involving Western Bulldogs forward Jake Stringer.
Damian Barrett reported on The Footy Show last night that the Bulldogs and Stringer have grown frustrated with one another, and the 2016 premiers could explore a trade for the 2015 All-Australian. Additionally, Barrett also reported rival clubs are starting to put packages together for Stringer, and Lyon believes the Dogs should listen to all offers.
“I would be taking inquiries [on Stringer],” he told SEN Breakfast.
“He has yet to demonstrate the required mental aptitude which would suggest he is a top-10 pick. You’re exploring your options. You look at it and say, ok, if there is someone on the marketplace that has a higher opinion of Jake, or is prepare to pay a price that we can’t knock back, then you have to explore those avenues.”
However, Watson disagreed, saying Stringer is too good of a footballer to give up on at the age of 23.
“I am surprised…I can’t believe they might even be considering moving him,” the four-time Essendon best and fairest winner said.
“This bloke is an All-Australian, a natural talent. At his best, and while it’s true we haven’t seen enough of it, he is a match winner. He is a game changer and they don’t grow on trees.
“I’m a huge fan of Luke Beveridge, but maybe Stringer has exhausted his patience, maybe he isn’t buying into the team-first philosophy. Stringer can appear to play in a bubble at times; making the appearance he is more concerned with his self, rather than the team.
“However, we are talking about a team that struggled in the front half this season, and a team that doesn’t take a direct route to goal. I don’t think he is a flash in the pan and I don’t think he is a one hit wonder. His consistent best is yet to come and there are better days ahead for him.”