Giants coach hints at position switch for gun recruit

GWS coach Adam Kingsley has revealed that a fit and firing Jake Stringer could be in line for a positional switch to the midfield in 2025, should the Giants need a change of dynamic during the season.

While Kingsley admits that a best-case scenario would see Stringer stationed majorly in the forward arc, the uncertainty of football availabilities throughout the season could catch Stringer thrust into the midfield to create a new-look option for GWS if one of their midfielders fall unavailable due to injury, suspension, or a lack of form.

Stringer was recruited from Essendon during the 2024 AFL trade period in a buzzer-beater rollercoaster deal that was said to be off the table just hours before the paperwork was instead officially lodged, ticked off two minutes before the 7:30 pm deadline.

It came after an electrifying 2024 campaign saw Stringer kick 42 goals, with the 30-year-old forward requesting an extra year on top of the one-year extension triggered during his Bombers' contract for last season.

Essendon were unwilling to budge on any deal past 2025, while GWS were open to the two-year contract.

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With an assortment of depth across the forward arc, Kingsley stated to AFL.com.au's Riley Beveridge that a midfield trial could be on the cards in 2025.

"He'll fit in easily," Kingsley said.

"He'll mix between what Toby Greene has done in the past, to what our other forwards do. He might have a little bit of midfield time as well. He'll play two or three different roles.

"..."It depends how our season's unfolding (whether Stringer will play midfield).

"Who is available, who is not available, how we're going in certain aspects. The plan is, if everything is going well, he'll play mostly forward. But plans change when you need them to.

"I won't rule it out. But I also think we've got midfielders that I'm pretty happy with."

Since 'The Package' has been delivered to Sydney Olympic Park, the X-factor forward has impressed with a strong display of fitness, an aspect of Stringer's game often questioned, while presenting as a tantalising inclusion to the Giants' already stacked forward line.

"He's come back in really good shape," Kingsley said.

"His three weeks away during his Christmas break, he actually got in even better shape. That's probably the hardest time to do it, so that's a reflection of his effort and attitude in my view."

The Giants are desperate to avenge a regrettable finish to their 2024 campaign, with consecutive three-quarter-time leads relinquished in both finals matches.

Kingsley believes that having addressed the painful losses and bringing in new recruits like Stringer, the club is better poised to contend for a flag in 2025.

"I think we took a step forward in the off-season," Kingsley said.

"The competition is so close and ultimately who would really know who is going to win this year and who is going to finish in the top four or the top eight? Who is going to finish in the bottom four?

"I think if you look at everyone's predictions, not just in the media, but they're probably three or four off picking who the top eight is anyway.

"It feels like we took a step forward and a step closer to winning that premiership by bringing Jake in.

"But who would know?"

The Giants kickstart their 2025 campaign against Collingwood in Opening Round, with hopes to replicate their 2024 rendition that saw them beat the reigning premiers by 32 points.

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