Cameron Mooney believes Jake Stringer has the potential to be the missing link for GWS in their pursuit of a maiden AFL premiership.
The three-time premiership player is optimistic about Stringer’s impact but was surprised by his decision to leave Essendon at the end of the 2024 season.
“To be honest, I was surprised (he moved),” Mooney said on SEN’s The Warm Up with Worlo & Moons.
“I think Jake’s left a lot of great footy on the table.
“I was lucky enough to do some work with him when he was a kid at the Bulldogs and I got to see first-hand how unbelievably talented this man is. But he was lazy.
“Now has his work rate picked up? I’m not sure. He’s always been questioned about how he looks, how fit he is, all of those type of things.
“He still kicks 35, 45 goals a year. So you’re thinking to yourself well what more can he do? I think he should be kicking 55-60 (goals) a year because that’s how talented he is and that’s how great of a footballer he could be.”
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Stringer’s time at Essendon saw him boot 207 goals across 123 games, claiming the Bombers’ leading goal kicker title three times in four seasons. His 2024 tally of 42 goals was his best with the club.
Mooney, who worked as GWS’s forward line coach in 2024, was instrumental in Jesse Hogan’s career-best Coleman Medal-winning season. Should Mooney remain in his role, he’ll play a key part in integrating Stringer into the Giants’ potent forward line.
The Giants, who bowed out in the semi-final against Brisbane, are poised for another premiership tilt in 2025.
“I just hope he goes up to Sydney and just realises this is his last couple of years and just gives it absolutely everything,” Mooney said.
“Before he even walks into the door I hope he walks through fit. Because a fit Jake Stringer at the Giants, he’s almost the icing on the cake. They are ready. They’re ready to win a premiership, they’re just there.”
Stringer was traded to GWS in exchange for Pick 53, with the Giants banking on his talent to elevate their premiership hopes.
