A favourite for Essendon forward Jake Stringer is said to have emerged, and it isn't Collingwood.
The Bombers livewire's future has been speculated on in recent weeks, with the veteran attacker reportedly keen to secure a longer contract after trigging a one-year extension for the 2025 season.
Stringer and his management had held talks with key Bombers officials over a potential multi-year agreement, only for the 30-year-old to be informed he would need to look elsewhere to secure his long-term future.
Stringer ranked top five for the Bombers for goals, goal assists and score involvements in 2024, tallying 42 majors across 23 games to fall one short of top spot Kyle Langford.
It has been suggested Stringer has informed people around him that he expects to depart Tullamarine next month, with Collingwood and Sydney among the clubs most keen on the Eaglehawk junior.
According toย SEN'sย Sam Edmund, those monitoring Stringer's situation can "put a line through" a move to the Magpies for the premiership ex-Bulldog.
Speaking on Tuesday, Edmund stated Sydney are the most likely landing spot for Stringer, with Collingwood no longer viewed as a club in the race for his signature.
"[Stringer is] looking for a multi-year deal and that search is ongoing," Edmund said.
"What I can tell you his morning is it's not Collingwood and it won't be Collingwood. We can put a line through Stringer joining the Pies, that narrative can be ended.
"He wants the two-year deal, that's well known.ย The trigger for next year at Essendon, a lot has been made of this, for $400,000, it's not that offensive, but he wants the second year on the contract.
"I think, as we sit here now, there's a chance it could be Sydney. In fact, I'd have them as the most likely at the moment.
"[There's] plenty to work through here. I'm not saying he's definitely going to Sydney, but I'd have them right there at the front of proceedings for Jake Stringer."
The Swans have Picks 18, 19 and 56 for this year's AFL Draft and could dive into their 2025 draft hand to satisfy Essendon in a trade deal, with Sydney unlikely to be open to parting with a first-round pick for the Bombers veteran.
Essendon can hold Stringer to his deal for the coming season but would want to avoid any off-field distractions as they search for a return to September in 2025.
