Western Bulldogs forward Jake Stringer has met with Essendon officials as he prepares to leave the 2016 premiers.
Essendon confirmed chief executive Xavier Campbell met with Stringer last Wednesday. He also spoke with head coach John Worsfold and list manager Adrian Dodoro.
The game-changing forward would add to an already impressive Bombers forward line, which already boasts the likes of All-Australian Joe Daniher, Orazio Fantasia and Cale Hooker.
Essendon have been consistently linked to the 23-year-old but are battling Geelong for his signature.
The Bombers are able to offer a more lucrative contract and a better trade, given their first pick is no. 11.
The Cats' pursuit of Stringer is also complicated by their chase of homesick midfielder and former club champion Gary Ablett.
Meanwhile, Richmondย General Manager of Football Talent Dan Richardson confirmed on SEN on Wednesday morning the Tigers have also met with Stringer's manager.
โWe spoke to his [Stringerโs] management,โ he said.
โYouโre always looking at whoโs available and whether or not theyโre going to be the right option and fill a need on your list. We probably felt in the end that Jakeโs not quite filling a specific need for us, albeit he is a very good player.
โWe think with the likes of [Trent] Cotchin and Dusty [Dustin Martin] being able to play that midfield-forward role, and with a couple other young players coming through, we have that covered reasonably well.โ
Stringer is one of the hottest trade properties this year after he was told he was surplus to requirements a fortnight ago.
Last week he said he was blindsided by the development and said he had never contemplated leaving the club.
"I took a phone call from [my manager] that let me know the club was putting me up for trade and I was in shock," he said.
"I love the boys and I love the club."
Stringer is contracted to the Bulldogs to the end of 2018.
The AFL trade period begins on October 9.
