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Bombers in line to land AFL trio via trade

Jake Stringer for the Bulldogs. (AAP Image/Julian Smith)
5th October, 2017
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Essendon will have their hands full during the AFL trade period, with Devon Smith, Adam Saad and Jake Stringer all understood to have requested trades to the club.

The Bombers have been the frontrunners to land Stringer since the Western Bulldogs put him on the trade table at the end of a tough season for the 23-year-old.

Smith, who is off contract, was overlooked for the Greater Western Sydney preliminary final side that fell to Richmond and had been seeking a trade back to home state Victoria.

Saad, also originally from Victoria, is on the move from Gold Coast to be closer to his family.

The 23-year-old has played 48 games in three seasons for the Suns after being elevated off the rookie list in 2015 and is contracted until the end of next year.

Stringer, a premiership player last year and an All-Australian in 2015, was put up for trade by the Dogs after a torrid campaign in which he battled form, fitness and off-field issues.

Smith struggled with a knee injury late in the season, but he was an emergency for the preliminary final with GWS coach Leon Cameron preferring now-retired veteran Steve Johnson.

St Kilda, Geelong, Carlton and Collingwood were also reported to have interest in signing the 24-year-old who has played 109 games in five seasons with the Giants.

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The trio would provide a huge boost to John Worsfold’s line-up but Essendon face a tough task to land all three, holding picks 11, 28, 46, 65 and 83 at this year’s draft.

The Bombers also have the option of trading out picks at next year’s draft or including a current player in any potential deals.

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