GWS Giants forward Jake Stringer's future at the club remains uncertain following a failed business venture that involved investments from some of his teammates.
Gun 7NEWS sports reporter Tom Morris has revealed multiple Giants players, as well as some from Essendon and even Giants coaches, were asked to invest financially in the venture which ultimately failed several months ago. Stringer does not have a contract beyond this year and is yet to be offered an extension, despite the fact he's the club's leading goalkicker with 40 goals for the year.
Details of the failed venture
“Jake Stringer had a business venture which didn't go well,” Morris said on Channel 7's The Agenda Setters.
“He had a number of players involved in this business venture, across the Giants and Essendon. I also believe he asked some Giants coaches to be involved as well, and it just didn't work out. These players were invested in it financially.”
Morris called it a supplements business, but with a focus on “salmon or fish oil, things like that”.
Trust issues and repayment
“It just didn't work out, and this was a few months ago now. It just caused some issues within the Giants because players had put their money in to trust Stringer,” Morris said.
“Stringer, who I've spoken to tonight, in fairness, I got a call from him, we chatted for about 20 minutes. He assures me these players have been paid back, but there has been some erosion of trust from the people I've spoken to, from the teammates of Jake Stringer, based on what happened.”
“I don't think it's a massive issue, but I just wanted to clarify what that was ... In the eyes of the players that I've spoken to, they've been paid back, so they're OK.”
“It's a challenge for the teammates of Stringer, and Stringer at the time.”
Stringer's response
Stringer, however, insists that he has regained the trust of those who invested.
“I want to make it very clear, whatever trust was lost in that moment, Jake Stringer assures me that it's been made back, but it was a difficult time,” Morris said.
“He doesn't believe that he lost the trust of teammates, I've spoken to players who believe otherwise.”
Contract situation
Regardless, the 32-year-old forward remains unsigned for next year amid reports that he may seek a move to a fourth club.
Stringer's career started at the Western Bulldogs in 2013 before he moved to Essendon for the 2018 season. He then joined the Giants ahead of the 2025 season.
Giants football manager Jason McCartney has confirmed the club won't discuss Stringer's contract until the end of the season, leaving doubt about whether either party wants to continue the relationship.
As a free agent, Stringer can move to any club he chooses ... if he can find a suitor.
