Sports · Other Sports · 22 hrs ago
Jake Stringer set to join St Kilda for 2027 AFL season
St Kilda plans to sign forward Jake Stringer for the 2027 Australian Football League season.
The 32-year-old is moving to the Saints after two seasons with Greater Western Sydney, where he kicked 48 goals in 2026.
He will be joining his fourth AFL club, having previously played for the Western Bulldogs and Essendon.
St Kilda finished 11th last season, and its leading goal-kicker scored 33 goals as key forward Max King was injured.
Former Saints coach Grant Thomas called the signing baffling and questioned whether it would help the team win a premiership, while former captain Nick Riewoldt also described it as a desperate move.
The Saints say Stringer can add firepower and give their forward line more depth.
His signing is due to become official on November 2, when the delisted free agency period opens.
Jake Stringer is set to join St Kilda for the 2027 AFL season as a delisted free agent.
The 32-year-old forward will join his fourth AFL club after stints with the Western Bulldogs, Essendon and Greater Western Sydney.
St Kilda said Stringer’s goal-scoring ability would add firepower, flexibility and depth to its forward line.
Stringer kicked 48 goals for GWS in 2026 before the club delisted him.
Former St Kilda coach Grant Thomas and former captain Nick Riewoldt questioned the move, citing concerns about its long-term value and Stringer’s culture fit.
- Who
- Jake Stringer, St Kilda and Greater Western Sydney.
- What
- Stringer is set to join St Kilda as a delisted free agent. He is expected to play for the club in the 2027 season.
- When
- The move was reported on October 18 and 19, 2026. The Age said he would officially join when the delisted free agency period opens on November 2.
- Where
- St Kilda, based at Moorabbin. Stringer is returning to Victoria after playing for GWS.
- Why
- St Kilda said his scoring ability would strengthen its forward line. Stringer was delisted by GWS as it looked to develop younger forwards.
St Kilda
Grant Thomas and Nick Riewoldt
Reason for the move
St Kilda
St Kilda football manager Lenny Hayes said Stringer could add scoring, experience, flexibility and depth to the forward line.
Grant Thomas and Nick Riewoldt
Thomas questioned whether the signing was a decision aimed at winning a premiership, while Riewoldt described it as a sign of desperation.
Long-term effect
St Kilda
St Kilda said Stringer’s ability would complement the talent already at the club.
Grant Thomas and Nick Riewoldt
Thomas said the move could take development time away from young players.
Culture fit
St Kilda
St Kilda said Stringer could add to its attack.
Grant Thomas and Nick Riewoldt
Riewoldt said Stringer was not a good culture fit and called the move “hold-your-breath stuff.
Stringer was selected in the national draft by the Western Bulldogs.
Stringer played in the Western Bulldogs premiership team.
Stringer kicked 48 goals for GWS before the club delisted him.
The Age reported that Stringer was set to join St Kilda after completing a medical.
St Kilda’s signing drew public criticism from former coach Grant Thomas and former captain Nick Riewoldt.
The Age said the delisted free agency period would open and Stringer would officially join St Kilda.
- Age
- 32
- 2026 goals
- 48 for GWS
- AFL clubs
- Western Bulldogs, Essendon, GWS and St Kilda
- St Kilda’s 2026 finish
- 11th
- St Kilda’s leading 2026 goal-kicker
- Liam Ryan, with 33 goals
3 sources
What people are saying
Jake has a proven ability to hit the scoreboard and we believe he can add another dimension to our forward line
I don't know why we're doing this. It doesn't seem to be a premiership decision to me
As a supporter, this is hold-your-breath stuff.
I definitely feel like I have quite a few years left