The Victorian giant that should sign Jake Stringer

Jake Stringer is yet to find a home for season 2026, and Tim Watson believes Carlton should consider signing the former Giant.

Approaching the conclusion of his deal with GWS, Stringer announced that he would not remain at the club, looking to head back to his home state of Victoria for family reasons.

However, as talks commence around the trade and free agency space, reports have suggested that Stringer has garnered very little interest across the competition.

So much so that SEN’s Tom Morris reported on Wednesday that the forward would be content with ending his AFL career if he doesn’t lock up a new home.

Looking past some clear off-field issues, Stringer is still more than capable of performing to the highest level.

At 32, Stringer finished in the top 10 of the Coleman Medal, booting 48 goals and starring on numerous occasions for the Giants.

With that in mind, Essendon legend Watson believes Carlton should take a punt on the veteran.

“He hasn’t got a club to go to right now, and apparently nobody is jumping at him, wanting to roll out the red carpet for him,” Watson told SEN Breakfast.

“I still think he will find somewhere to go.

“Why wouldn’t Carlton have a crack at him? Why wouldn’t they have a serious swing at him?

“I’m looking at the guys that kicked their goals last year. He kicked more goals than (all of them).

“Brodie Kemp was their number one goalkicker with 39. Harry kicked 35 and McGovern kicked 34 – a good spread between the three talls.

“But what Jake brings to the table, on his playing side alone – he is a big game player.

“I think Carlton are going to be in the mix. If they get Lachie Whitfield and Joel Amartey, I think they are two really good signings to their club.

“If they were to top up with Stringer… you’re only going to get him for maybe one year. Put him on a tight contract for one year.

“His ability to play in big games and perform… that’s what all the GWS people say about him too.”

While his off-field issues have been well documented, Watson still thinks that a club like Carlton would be fitting for the premiership Bulldog.

“I think there’s concerns about other stuff around him,” Watson continued.

“You look at that and say, ‘how serious is this, how much damage?’ I can’t imagine that he’s an axe murderer.

“How much damage can somebody do to your organisation in 12 months if you back yourselves?”