- Essendon has been warned about an association with a player
- Jake Stringer has invited his friends into the locker room after games.
- It is rare for the AFL to intervene when it comes to player relations.
The AFL Integrity Unit has contacted Essendon to express concerns after players’ associates were allowed into the dressing room after matches.
According to the Herald of the SunThe Bombers have been warned after associates of forward Jake Stringer and delisted star Nick Hind, who are in the same friend group, were spotted more than once in the dressing room this season.
The AFL told the same outlet it had informed an unnamed club that friends of a player were not welcome, but declined to name the club or the player.
They also did not reveal the reason for the warning.
Stringer’s future with the Bombers remains unclear and reports suggest he is exploring a potential trade despite being under contract until the end of 2025.
Rival clubs are said to be aware of the intriguing situation involving Stringer, his associates and AFL Integrity.
Stringer had been linked with a possible move to Collingwood but that interest has cooled, while minor premiers Sydney are also keeping a close eye on the forward.
Stringer told the Herald Sun in May that he had explored Islam after meeting a Muslim man last December at a sponsor’s barbecue. He was then invited to attend a mosque.
Essendon has been warned about allowing a player’s associates into their dressing room.
According to the Herald Sun, the AFL has expressed concern about the Bombers allowing associates of Jake Stringer into the dressing room.
“I talk to him every day and see him almost every day since then,” Stringer said of his new relationship.
“The guys there have been instrumental for me this year, helping me find a really good balance. Their brotherhood is amazing and it’s something I loved from the moment I met them.”
The AFL rarely intervenes when it comes to players’ associations. In 2013, Tigers star Jake King was advised not to allow Toby Mitchell, a figure in the motorcycle underworld, into the venues.
Mitchell was spotted in the sheds after a win over Brisbane in round 20, an incident that was described as “pretty stupid” by former winger Andrew Demetriou at the time.
King was subsequently seen with Mitchell on several occasions over the next few months, testing the patience of Richmond residents.
Former Tigers chief executive Brendon Gale said at the time: “We’ve said to Jake that he should think carefully about those types of friendships, connections and partnerships.”