Former Collingwood president Eddie McGuire has fuelled the fire of speculation surrounding a potential move for Essendon forward Jake Stringer, as the star player navigates a contentious contract situation with the Bombers.
With Stringer dissatisfied at the one-year deal extension from the Bombers, McGuire has floated the idea of Collingwood making a bold bid to bring the 30-year-old forward to the Magpies.
Stringer kicked 42 goals in 23 games this season and continued to demonstrate his value as a match-winner when performing while out of contract.
However, despite triggering a games-based clause that guarantees his place at Essendon for 2025, the club's reluctance to offer a longer deal has led to growing uncertainty about his future.
While Stringer is a loyal Bomber, he is reportedly seeking more security, possibly in the form of a two-year contract.
On the "Eddie and Jimmy" podcast, McGuire went through the potential benefits of adding Stringer to Collingwood's roster, adding another Jordan De Goey like-type to the list, even with the glaring concerns involving the off-field conditioning and controversy.
"If you have Stringer and you have De Goey, who are similar types—explosive but prone to injuries—having them both on the field could be half compelling," McGuire said.
McGuire did express some caution, pointing out concerns about Stringer's fitness and professionalism, which have been questioned throughout his career.
"If he came to Collingwood, there would be enough eyes on him to make sure he doesn't turn up like he's been in a paddock all summer," McGuire stated.
But he does believe the Magpies could be willing to take a calculated risk on Stringer if it meant securing a premiership, even if it led to a period of struggle afterward.
“If you said to Collingwood, ‘you can have Stringer and he'll probably pinch you a premiership and then you might have a couple of years of fallow time, what do you think they do? I think they say yes.”
Stringer's situation has attracted interest from other clubs as well, with the Sydney Swans emerging as a potential suitor.
As the Bombers play hardball with their offer, the forward's future remains uncertain, and more teams will likely be weighing the benefits of adding some risky x-factor talent to their lineup.
Collingwood's current forward line has been plagued by injuries, with key forward Brody Mihocek limited to just 11 games this season.
The addition of Stringer could improve the depth and provide the offensive firepower in the Magpies' front half to put them back in premiership contention, but on a list that is ageing and lacks exciting young talent behind Nick Daicos, the move would ramp up the pressure at Olympic Park.
Current Collingwood president Jeff Browne has emphasised the club's strategy of utilising trades and free agency to strengthen the list, rather than relying solely on the draft.
The next few weeks will draw plenty of headlines, as Stringer weighs up his desire to remain at Essendon or seek a fresh start elsewhere, be it Sydney or another Victorian rival.