Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Jake Stringer has rediscovered some of his best football at Greater Western Sydney Giants, with the veteran forward helping keep the club alive in the AFL finals race.
The 32-year-old starred in Greater Western Sydney Giants’ 21-point upset of Fremantle Dockers, kicking a career-best seven goals to end the league leaders’ 14-game winning streak.
His form adds another list and future planning storyline across the competition, after Elijah Hewett’s West Coast Eagles contract extension locked in another young AFL name until 2030.
Stringer Feels Younger In Sydney
Stringer has kicked 35 goals from 16 games this season, his third-best return across an AFL career that has included stops at Western Bulldogs and Essendon Bombers.
The 2016 Western Bulldogs premiership player said his move to Sydney at the end of 2024 had helped him feel refreshed.
"I was saying to someone the other day, I feel like it's a bit of a weird one that my body's getting better with age," Stringer told AAP.
"If you had said that when I was 27 or 28, I would have said the opposite when I was in Melbourne.
"I feel like now I'm almost in reverse and feel like I'm getting younger, the more games I'm playing.
"I'm certainly enjoying running around with the younger crew, and it is certainly making me feel younger.
"I feel like the end is not too close. I still feel like I've got quite a few good years of footy left in me.
"I'm also realistic that in six weeks' time, it could be my last ever game."
Giants Battle Injury Toll
Greater Western Sydney Giants sit 13th on 28 points, four points behind 10th-placed Carlton. Stringer has played every game in a forward line missing Jesse Hogan, Jake Riccardi, Max Gruzewski, Brent Daniels and Darcy Jones.
Official AFL fixtures and ladder details are available through the Australian Football League.
"I don't think people understand how hard it can be," Stringer said of the injuries.
"You're so reliant on other forwards and knowing different ways that they lead or don't lead and what space they like - a lot goes into it.
"It's had its challenges, but I've certainly enjoyed facing those different challenges week in, week out with younger kids."
