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Jake Stringer Eyes Fourth AFL Club as GWS Giants Look to Trade Forward
Jake Stringer, the forward who has spent the last two seasons with the Greater Western Sydney Giants, has signalled a desire to return to Victoria after a recent match against Adelaide. The 32‑year‑old, who has played 249 games and kicked 434 goals in his AFL career, is reportedly in talks with a club that could benefit from his experience and goal‑scoring ability.
According to manager Robbie D’Orazio of CDG Sports Management, Stringer is “keen to move to a fourth club” and that he “knows one club who would really benefit from having him on their list.” D’Orazio added that the forward has been linked to Collingwood, a club that is in a win‑now phase and is pursuing free agents Zak Butters and Lachie Neale. The manager said, “When you trade someone three times, and you are going for a fourth, I think you have earned your cabbage (commission).”
Stringer’s recent season has seen him kick 42 goals, his second‑highest return in his career. He has been praised for his ability to “make things happen pretty miraculously” and for his “scallywag” style, which D’Orazio believes would thrive in front of the 80,000‑strong crowds at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The manager also noted that Stringer has “three years left in him” and could add 40 to 50 goals for a new club.
The forward’s career began with the Western Bulldogs, where he was part of the club’s 2016 premiership side and was named an All‑Australian in 2015. He then moved to Essendon in 2018, leading the club’s goalkicking on three occasions before joining the Giants in 2025. D’Orazio described Stringer as an “honest player” who has sent him texts about his defensive pursuits, indicating that the player remains focused on improving his game.
The Giants’ decision to trade or retain Stringer will come at a time when the club is evaluating its list for the 2026 season. With the trade deadline approaching, GWS is likely to consider offers that could provide depth in the forward line while balancing salary cap constraints. Collingwood’s interest, coupled with the club’s desire to secure additional free‑agent talent, makes the forward a potential target.
If a trade materialises, it would add to Collingwood’s push for a premiership, as the club has historically been one of the most successful in the AFL. The Magpies have a record 45 grand final appearances and 16 premierships, and a player of Stringer’s experience could help the team’s forward structure.
For GWS, the loss of a forward who has delivered 42 goals this season would need to be offset by other list moves or by promoting a player from the club’s reserves. The Giants have a history of developing talent through their VFL side and academy, and the club may look to those pathways to fill the gap.
As the trade window closes, the AFL community will watch for official confirmations from the Giants and any potential suitors. The outcome will have implications not only for the clubs involved but also for the broader free‑agency market, as other players may reassess their own options.
In summary, Jake Stringer is poised to make a move back to Victoria, with Collingwood emerging as a likely destination. The Giants will need to decide whether to trade the forward or keep him for the remainder of the 2026 season, while the AFL trade market remains active and competitive.
According to manager Robbie D’Orazio of CDG Sports Management, Stringer is “keen to move to a fourth club” and that he “knows one club who would really benefit from having him on their list.” D’Orazio added that the forward has been linked to Collingwood, a club that is in a win‑now phase and is pursuing free agents Zak Butters and Lachie Neale. The manager said, “When you trade someone three times, and you are going for a fourth, I think you have earned your cabbage (commission).”
Stringer’s recent season has seen him kick 42 goals, his second‑highest return in his career. He has been praised for his ability to “make things happen pretty miraculously” and for his “scallywag” style, which D’Orazio believes would thrive in front of the 80,000‑strong crowds at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The manager also noted that Stringer has “three years left in him” and could add 40 to 50 goals for a new club.
The forward’s career began with the Western Bulldogs, where he was part of the club’s 2016 premiership side and was named an All‑Australian in 2015. He then moved to Essendon in 2018, leading the club’s goalkicking on three occasions before joining the Giants in 2025. D’Orazio described Stringer as an “honest player” who has sent him texts about his defensive pursuits, indicating that the player remains focused on improving his game.
The Giants’ decision to trade or retain Stringer will come at a time when the club is evaluating its list for the 2026 season. With the trade deadline approaching, GWS is likely to consider offers that could provide depth in the forward line while balancing salary cap constraints. Collingwood’s interest, coupled with the club’s desire to secure additional free‑agent talent, makes the forward a potential target.
If a trade materialises, it would add to Collingwood’s push for a premiership, as the club has historically been one of the most successful in the AFL. The Magpies have a record 45 grand final appearances and 16 premierships, and a player of Stringer’s experience could help the team’s forward structure.
For GWS, the loss of a forward who has delivered 42 goals this season would need to be offset by other list moves or by promoting a player from the club’s reserves. The Giants have a history of developing talent through their VFL side and academy, and the club may look to those pathways to fill the gap.
As the trade window closes, the AFL community will watch for official confirmations from the Giants and any potential suitors. The outcome will have implications not only for the clubs involved but also for the broader free‑agency market, as other players may reassess their own options.
In summary, Jake Stringer is poised to make a move back to Victoria, with Collingwood emerging as a likely destination. The Giants will need to decide whether to trade the forward or keep him for the remainder of the 2026 season, while the AFL trade market remains active and competitive.
