Just how Josh Schache went from being close to the hottest football prospect in the county to a footballer not one club has yet been prepared to entertain a trade for remains the most intriguing story of the AFL's player market period.

Even though the Jake Stringer stand-off is extraordinary, there is a far more simple explanation behind the relative lack of interest in the 23-year-old who was the Western Bulldogs' best forward. And one the Bulldogs must understand was largely of their own making in terms of trade value. They contributed to his current standing as damaged goods.

Time to go: Josh Schache has become a public relations problem for the Lions. Credit:AAP

Why the 2016 premiers would insist on a first-round draft pick after coach Luke Beveridge suggested flaws of character, personal standards and commitment and said Stringer's departure was in the best interests of the team remains unfathomable.

Added to that the unsavoury and damning assessment delivered on the eve of the grand final by Stringer's former partner and mother of his two children, which included accusations of a string of paramours including a 17-year-old fan and a gambling addiction, you'd have to wonder why Stringer's club tried to stand firm over pick No.11.