Why Mooney believes Stringer could be the 'icing on the cake' for GWS’ premiership puzzle

Cameron Mooney believes a fit Jake Stringer could be the last piece to the puzzle for GWS to claim its inaugural premiership.

The three-time premiership forward isn’t sure why Stringer decided he wanted to leave Essendon at the end of the 2024 season, but insists there are reasons to still believe the 30-year-old can be a valuable asset to the Giants' already-dangerous forward line.

“To be honest, I was surprised (he moved),” Mooney said on SEN's The Warm Up with Worlo & Moons.

“I think Jake’s left a lot of great footy on the table.

“I was lucky enough to do some work with him when he was a kid at the Bulldogs and I got to see first-hand how unbelievably talented this man is. But he was lazy.

“Now has his work rate picked up? I’m not sure. He’s always been questioned about how he looks, how fit he is, all of those type of things.

“He still kicks 35, 45 goals a year. So you’re thinking to yourself well what more can he do? I think he should be kicking 55-60 (goals) a year because that’s how talented he is and that’s how great of a footballer he could be.”

Mooney, who worked with the Giants as a forward line coach in 2024, helped Jesse Hogan put together a career year, ultimately taking out this year's Coleman Medal race.

Should Mooney continue in his role at GWS, he'll be a key cog in structuring Stringer's fit alongside Hogan.

Whilst at the Bombers, Stringer managed to kick 207 goals from 123 appearances which included being the club’s leading goal kicker three times over the space of four seasons.

And after kicking 42 goals in 2024 (the most he’d kicked in a season with the Bombers), Mooney believes he could be a pivotal part in helping the Giants reach the promise land in 2025.

“I just hope he goes up to Sydney and just realises this is his last couple of years and just gives it absolutely everything,” Mooney said.

“Before he even walks into the door I hope he walks through fit. Because a fit Jake Stringer at the Giants, he’s almost the icing on the cake. They are ready. They’re ready to win a premiership, they’re just there.”

Stringer was traded to the Giants from Essendon in exchange for Pick 53.