Jake Stringer has knocked back a new deal from Essendon, as per a report from Fox Footyโs Tom Morris.
Stringer, who remains uncontracted beyond this season, reportedly knocked back a three-year deal that included additional incentives. The 27-year-old has reportedly been seeking a four-year deal, which would see him through until 2025.
Stringer, who moved to Essendon from the Bulldogs in 2017, has been in strong form over recent weeks, picking up 10 coaches votes in the Bombers' Round 14 win over Hawthorn.
The forward has kicked 24 goals from his 11 games so far this year and has averaged 15.7 disposals and 3.5 clearances per game.
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Disposals
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Essendon are hesitant to offer Stringer the four-year deal after a history of injury and fitness issues. Stringer, since arriving at the Bombers in 2018, has failed to play more than twenty games in a season, playing only 10 in 2020.
The forward has a history of soft tissue injuries and has missed time in 2021 with a hamstring issue. Since his return in Round 12's Dreamtime game in Perth, Stringer has kicked nine goals.
The Bombers spearhead signed a deal reportedly worth around $550,000-a-season when he moved to Essendon after the club gave up picks 25 and 30 for the Bulldogs premiership star.
Jake Stringer doing what Jake Stringer does best โจ#ColesGoals | #AFLCatsDons pic.twitter.com/IUnzcpNWaE
— AFL (@AFL) July 2, 2021
Stringer was the leading goal-kicker for the club in his first two seasons at Tullamarine, playing 20 and 19 games, respectively. However, Stringer has failed to finish inside the top 10 of the club's best and fairest in his first three seasons at the Bombers.
Stringer's management have not been in contact with other clubs, indicating that the 27-year-old wants to remain at in the red sash. Bombers list manager Adrian Dodoro is also busy with uncontracted young gun Darcy Parish, with a two-year deal reportedly in the works.