Essendon went through an exhaustive due diligence process before they decided to recruit former Western Bulldogs' forward Jake Stringer.

The Bombers were the only club to make a serious offer for Stringer after the Bulldogs told him to explore his options despite having one season remaining on his contract, although he also met with Geelong.

New Essendon player Jake Stringer. Credit:Essendon Football Club

Bombers' CEO Xavier Campbell said he met with Stringer three times and also met the player's parents in order to get a feel for what had happened in Stringer's life in recent years.

Stringer's form dropped off in the past two seasons following his 2015 season where he was All-Australian, and aspects of his lifestyle were exposed in the media on grand final day before the trade happened.