The questions Essendon might want answered before committing to Stringer

Jake Stringer is without an Essendon contract for the 2025 season.

The 30-year-old continues to put in some strong performances and this year his 38 goals ranks second at the club only to Kyle Langford's 39.

Bombers legend Tim Watson, however, believes that in order to get the most out of Stringer in the twilight of his career, he must improve his preparation.

He says the club should be seeking assurances by asking a number of questions of Stringer about before locking him away for anything more than one season.

“This will be the question mark that Essendon will be wanting answered - that is you’ve got to be a great preparer, you’ve got to be so professional,” Watson told SEN Breakfast.

“You look at the guys who play well into their 30s, and then you still need luck, but those guys are completely and utterly dedicated to doing everything they possibly can to get themselves in the best shape day in, day out to present themselves to train.”

Watson believes these qualities and levels of dedication have at times eluded Stringer during his stint at Essendon.

“He hasn’t demonstrated (this) at the club over the years, so that would be the hesitation they have in offering him a fully guaranteed contract for maybe two years,” Watson added.

“They’d be wanting to know that he’s going to have to meet these benchmarks in terms of training or whatever else it might be that they believe will enable him to be what he can be into his 30s.

“You've got to be totally dedicated. 100 per cent dedicated.”

Watson referenced veterans Scott Pendlebury and Travis Boak as a case in point of doing everything in your power over the age of 30 to prolong your playing days.

“Pendlebury is still playing, Boak is still playing because of their adherence to all of those things I spoke about,” he said.

“So you do a year and at the and of that if you satisfy us, and you are in the best shape, all these things being equal, then you’ll get another year. You’re only 30 years of age now.”

Essendon coach Brad Scott was quizzed on Stringer's future by reporters on Wednesday. 

His response suggests the veteran won’t have any problems landing a new deal.

“I’m not going to get into the business of confirming or denying those things, but my wry smile sort of gives a bit away,” said Scott.

The out-of-contract Stringer is on track to deliver his most goals in a season as a Bomber which currently stands at 41.