Jake Stringer likely to finish GWS stint in Adelaide on 250th AFL game

Jake Stringer says Saturday night’s game against Adelaide will most likely be his last for Greater Western Sydney, with the veteran forward expecting to return to Melbourne for family reasons and aiming to continue his AFL career at a Victorian club in 2027.

Stringer said Thursday that family circumstances were driving the likely move. “I'll probably most likely go back to Melbourne, just for family reasons. My dad's been sick throughout this whole year and being away from my two girls back in Melbourne's been challenging. So most likely, it's probably my last game for the Giants,” he said on Thursday, according to AFL.com.au.

The timing gives Saturday’s match added significance. Adelaide hosts GWS on Saturday, Aug. 22, and AFL.com.au reported it would be Stringer’s 250th AFL game. As of the end of round 22, 2026, he had played 249 games, putting the milestone and his likely Giants farewell on the same night. Stringer said he still believes he has more years left at AFL level. “I'm just excited for this last game and ... most likely it'll be my last game. But it's one that I'm very grateful for, to be able to play. Absolutely loved my time. Definitely feel like I've got quite a few more years left. But I'll just get through this weekend, reassess, spend some time with the family, go back home and work it out from there. But there's been no decision or anything like that. I'm just looking forward to finishing it off here, enjoying more time with my teammates who I absolutely love, and go from there.”

AFL.com.au reported that Stringer remains contracted with GWS through the end of next season, meaning any move to a Victorian club would still need to be resolved through the AFL’s player-movement process after the season. Stringer did not name any Victorian club he might join and did not say whether any clubs had expressed interest.

A high-profile veteran forward, Stringer has remained a notable figure late in his career, and his expected departure lands as he reaches a major milestone. Drafted with the No. 5 pick in 2012, he debuted in 2013, earned All-Australian honors in 2015 and won a premiership with the Western Bulldogs in 2016. He later played for Essendon before joining GWS at the end of 2024. AFL.com.au reported he has played 37 games for the Giants since that move.