Essendon have a problem. In fact they have three problems. Three players' clubs, one pick, maybe two: it's not working. Well, not at the moment it's not. It probably will in the end, it normally does.

It would be easier if Essendon had one player they clearly wanted most out of Stringer, Smith and Saad.

If Jake Stringer was clearly the prime target and the other two lesser targets then the deal would be easier because it's easier to sacrifice another deal as you got the one you wanted. It is not that clear cut for Essendon.

Stringer is probably the player they want most. The Bulldogs are playing tough on a trade but shouldn't be – they have pushed him out and there is not a strong field of competitors trying to pick Stringer up if the Bombers talks fail. Recently the Bombers offered the Bulldogs their pick 11 for Stringer and the Dogs' pick 26. The Dogs said no, at the very least they want 11 straight out. They should have taken the Bombers' offer.