Essendon and star forward Jake Stringer appear to be at a stalemate over the future he has at Tullamarine as rival clubs begin to circle.
Stringer is reportedly looking for a contract extension beyond 2025 despite hitting a clause in his current deal that guarantees his spot at the Bombers next season.
The 30-year-old is keen on a longer deal, but it was revealed that the club denied the request following meetings with Essendon coach Brad Scott, list manager Matt Rosa and chief executive Craig Vozzo last week.
As Stringer sits in limbo, clubs are beginning to ask the question, with 2024 minor premiers Sydney throwing their hat in the ring, according to AFL Media's Damian Barrett.
"The Bombers themselves have made a bold call of sorts already by telling (Stringer) to go and explore the market because they're only going to offer him one year," Barrett said on AFL.com.au's Access All Areas.
"And I agree with that, by the way. I think he let them down late in the season with inaccuracy and weight issues that were not acceptable to the club. So it's line-ball as to whether he goes back to the Bombers.
"I can tell you a club of interest for his services is the Sydney Swans, who are about to embark on a finals series where they start in pole position.
"Their forward line is a concern, and there's a conversation to be had once this season is complete about whether he does fit that mix."
At his best, Stringer is a match-winner, as proven by multiple efforts throughout the 2024 season.
The former Bulldog kicked 42 goals and played every single game as a hybrid forward.
Rival clubs could have reluctance in luring the 30-year-old, who is keen to remain put given his reputation for rocking up to previous pre-seasons unfit and out of condition.
However, his 2024 season was impressive, hence why the Swans, who finished on top of the ladder, believe he could be a player of significance in their forward line.
A move to New South Wales for Stringer would add another match-winner to John Longmire's tool belt, boasting Tom Papley and Will Hayward alongside emerging talls Logan McDonald and Joel Amartey.