AFL News

Highly-touted GWS recruit handed former midfielder’s number

The number was made vacant by a now-Crow.

Published by
Aidan Cellini

New GWS forward Jake Stringer will don the No.20 in 2025, which was previously worn by midfielder James Peatling.

Stringer was one of the biggest names who crossed clubs, leaving Essendon under controversial circumstances after the Bombers refused to extend his contract beyond 2025, ultimately allowing him to explore a move.

The man known as the 'Package' will walk into the Giants, his third AFL team, in the hope of a second premiership, adding to his first one with the Western Bulldogs in 2016.

Stringer will wear Peatling's former number, who made it vacant by his switch to Adelaide during the trade period.

The 24-year-old joined the Crows alongside fellow teammate Isaac Cumming, while former Giants players Harry Perryman (Collingwood) and Nick Haynes (Carlton) also found new homes.

Stringer will be a welcome addition to the already impressive forward line, boasting a line-up that includes Coleman medallist Jesse Hogan and star player Toby Greene.

GWS coach Adam Kingsley also has an array of speedy smalls such as Brent Daniels, TobY Bedford and Darcy Jones who form part of the 'Orange Tsunami', given their ability to transition the ball from defence to attack in quick succession.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MAY 04: Jake Stringer of the Bombers in action during the round eight AFL match between West Coast Eagles and Essendon Bombers at Optus Stadium, on May 04, 2024, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Kingsley made it abundantly clear of the expectations he set for his mature-aged recruit, flagging multiple roles for the 30-year-old.

"Goals," Kingsley said a fortnight ago.

"It's always nice. Who (doesn't) love goals? He's a wonderful player, high talent, one that I think can really help our team.

"We had a conversation a little while before the call was made, probably a week, and I was pretty strong with my expectations around "if you are to come to the club, this is what I expect.

"He'll play a variety of roles for us, whether it's forward, midfield, centre bounce. We see him being able to do a lot of that stuff.

"Clearly, he's got some things he needs to work on, and we think we can help him do that, and if he's able to tick those things off, then I think he becomes a really important player for us and hopefully can help us get closer to that premiership."

The Giants also welcomed six youngsters through the draft.

Published by
Aidan Cellini