GWS forward Jake Stringer is starting to deliver on the promises that ultimately saw him join a third AFL club in last year's trade period.
It's been well documented that Essendon and Stringer were at loggerheads over his contract, despite holding a deal that expired at the end of 2025.
But as they say, one man's loss could be another man's gain, and that would appear to be the narrative for Giants coach Adam Kingsley.
The 'Package' walked through the doors of the AFL's youngest club following a near career-best season, but also under injury clouds and the notion that he doesn't prepare as well as he should.
Multiple minor injury setbacks have seen Stringer sidelined a few times this year, but all in all, there has been plenty of return on investment.
The 31-year-old has kicked 18 goals from 11 starts, and if not for his inaccuracy, that tally could be much closer to 30.
On Thursday, Stringer's first meeting against his former side, he kicked a match-high three majors, and personally dished off two more in a brilliant performance, something the AFL community has come to expect, although been let down by the with inconsistency.
"When we decided to bring him across, this is what we had in mind. He's going to contribute to our game both on offence and defence," Kingsley said following the win.
"He's going to be able to kick goals for us and create goals. He's been able to do that since the Gold Coast game."
It was his highest-rated game (19.5 player ratings points) for the season, and fourth highest in four years.
"I'm Jake Stringer, and I can fly high!"
The Package takes flight! #AFLDonsGiants pic.twitter.com/EkBXDssZqJ
โ 7AFL (@7AFL) July 17, 2025
"He's a very intelligent player. He sees the game incredibly well. He's a smart guy and didn't need any coaching," Kingsley said.
"He was quite nervous coming into the game, but I thought he played with a lot of respect and competed hard.
"Took a mark on one of his best mates, so I think he was pretty happy with that."
And although the Bombers wanted to go in a different direction when they let Stringer go, former coach Brad Scott couldn't help but shake his head in awe.
"Jake did what Jake does, he's an impact player," Scott told reporters post-match.
"When his team is playing well, he can finish as well as anyone.
"Despite what people may think โ and I'd prefer it wasn't tonight โ but I'm very pleased for him.
"He wanted to prolong his career, we're going in a different direction. I see the result there as a win-win."
But as we enter the run home, and with six rounds remaining, this is what the Giants recruited Stringer for.
A proven big-game player who stands up in the critical moments.
An "impact player", as Scott put it, doesn't need many opportunities, but in September, it may only take one.
And the 'Package' could help deliver a GWS premiership.
