Jake Stringer Linked to St Kilda for 2027 AFL Season
Veteran AFL forward Jake Stringer is reportedly in talks with St Kilda for the 2027 season after a successful 48-goal campaign with GWS.
Quick facts
- Jake Stringer kicked 48 goals for GWS during the 2026 AFL season.
- The 32-year-old forward has played 250 AFL games across three clubs.
- Stringer was originally drafted by the Western Bulldogs at pick No. 5 in 2012.
Why it matters
Jake Stringer represents a high-reward, low-cost opportunity for AFL clubs seeking experienced forward depth. His 2026 performance statistics suggest he remains a capable goal-scorer, despite his age. The focus remains on whether St Kilda can reach a formal agreement as the trade period concludes.
Veteran AFL forward Jake Stringer is emerging as a potential recruit for the St Kilda Football Club for the 2027 season. As of October 18, 2026, reports indicate that discussions between the 32-year-old and the club have escalated rapidly over the past 72 hours.
Why it is trending now
The interest in Stringer follows his departure from the GWS Giants. Despite kicking 48 goals in the 2026 season—his highest tally since 2015—the Giants did not offer him a new contract. This situation left the 250-game veteran as a free agent, sparking significant interest in where he would continue his career.
Key facts
- According to 7NEWS, St Kilda is currently working through the finer details of a potential arrangement with Stringer.
- Stringer previously met with Essendon coach Mark McVeigh at a cafe in Essendon, though the club described the meeting as broad rather than a formal contract pitch, per 7NEWS.
- Leigh Montagna, a St Kilda great, noted on Fox Footy’s Trading Day that Stringer’s scoreboard impact metrics have compared favorably to high-profile forwards like Ben King and Joel Amartey.
- A formal offer from the Saints is expected to be presented in the coming days, according to 7NEWS.
Why this is trending in Australia
The story is trending in Australia due to Stringer's status as a high-profile, premiership-winning veteran and the intrigue surrounding his search for a fourth AFL club. Fans are closely watching his career moves following his productive 2026 season.
Background and context
Jake Stringer was drafted to the Western Bulldogs with pick No. 5 in 2012 and was part of the 2016 premiership team. He later moved to Essendon ahead of the 2018 season, where he won the club’s goalkicking award three times. Following his stint at the Bombers, he joined GWS for the 2026 season.
What happens next
St Kilda is expected to finalize its position regarding a formal contract offer in the coming days. If signed, Stringer will join his fourth AFL club, adding to his career history at the Western Bulldogs, Essendon, and GWS.
Frequently asked questions
Which club is Jake Stringer joining?
As of October 18, 2026, St Kilda has emerged as the most likely destination for Jake Stringer for the 2027 season, with reports of escalating talks between both parties.
How many goals did Jake Stringer kick in 2026?
Jake Stringer kicked 48 goals for the GWS Giants during the 2026 AFL season, marking his best individual season haul since 2015.
Is Jake Stringer still at Essendon?
No, Jake Stringer is not at Essendon. He previously played for the Bombers from 2018 until 2024 before moving to GWS for the 2026 season.
Was there a formal offer from Essendon?
No. While Stringer met with Essendon coach Mark McVeigh, the club characterized the meeting as a broad discussion rather than a formal contract pitch.
How many AFL games has Jake Stringer played?
Jake Stringer has played 250 AFL games throughout his career, which includes stints at the Western Bulldogs, Essendon, and GWS.
What happens next in the contract talks?
St Kilda is currently working through the details of a potential arrangement, and a formal contract offer is expected to be presented to the player in the coming days.
In this story
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