Footy club warned about dressing room invites after alarm was raised over two stars bringing their mates in after game
- Essendon has been warned about association with a player
- Jake Stringer has invited friends into the locker rooms after games
- It is rare for the AFL to intervene when it comes to player relations
The AFL Integrity Unit has contacted Essendon to raise concerns about players’ staff being allowed into the changing room after matches.
According to the Herald SunThe Bombers have been warned after associates of striker Jake Stringer and delisted star Nick Hind – who are both part of the same group of friends – were spotted in the dressing room on more than one occasion this season.
The AFL told the same outlet that it has informed an unnamed club that friends of a player are not welcome, but declined to name the club or the player.
It was also not disclosed why the warning was given.
Stringer’s future at the Bombers remains unclear and there are reports he is exploring a potential transfer despite having a contract until the end of 2025.
Rival clubs are said to be aware of the interesting situation surrounding Stringer, his associates and AFL Integrity.
Stringer has been linked with a move to Collingwood but interest has cooled, with minor league side Sydney also keeping a close eye on the forward.
Stringer told the Herald Sun in May that he had explored Islam after meeting a Muslim at a sponsor’s barbecue in December last year and was invited to visit a mosque.
Essendon have been warned for allowing a player’s staff into their dressing room
According to the Herald Sun, the AFL has raised concerns that the Bombers allowed Jake Stringer’s staff into the dressing room
“I talk to him every day since then and see him almost every day,” Stringer said of his new relationship.
“The guys there have been amazing to me this year, helping me find a good balance. Their brotherhood is amazing and I’ve enjoyed it from the moment I met them.”
The AFL rarely intervenes in relation to players’ associations. In 2013, Tigers star Jake King was advised not to allow Toby Mitchell, a biker underworld figure, into the rooms.
Mitchell was seen in the sheds after a round 20 win over Brisbane, an incident described at the time as “pretty stupid” by former player Andrew Demetriou.
King was seen with Mitchell several more times in the months that followed, testing the patience of Richmond residents.
Former Tigers CEO Brendon Gale said at the time: “We’ve made it clear to Jake that he needs to think carefully about these types of friendships, connections and relationships.”