Western Bulldogs trading Jake Stringer would be absolute madness, writes Sam Edmund

THIS is the Western Bulldogs’ Steve Johnson moment.

Geelong was a shambles in late 2006 and flicking Johnson was set to be part of a shake-up at the Cattery.

Johnson, like Stringer, was a mercurial, yet slightly wayward young forward.

Johnson, like Stringer, was 23 years old.

Rewind 11 years and ‘Stevie J’ was seen as something of a bad egg. He broke his ankle jumping off a roof trying to get back into a Torquay hotel in 2003.

In late 2006 he was arrested for public drunkenness in Wangaratta, ostracised by the club and not allowed to play seniors until Round 6.

Collingwood were going to trade for Johnson in ‘06 but were put off by the medical report.

But the penny dropped in spectacular fashion and six months later Johnson was a Norm Smith Medallist and premiership player.

Trading Stringer would be pure madness.

We all know why he’s had a tough 12 months. Off the field, as a young father he’s battled personal problems and been forced to deny “bulls ...” rumours.

On it, he’s been bothered by injuries.

But this is an All-Australian forward and No. 5 draft pick history says is yet to reach the peak of his powers.

If the Dogs can’t get around him and make him feel happy again, especially with the man management messiah Luke Beveridge in charge, it’s an indictment on the club.

For the key to the Western Bulldogs replicating Hawthorn in recovering from a 2009-style premiership hangover is keeping its young matchwinning stars together.

There’s no doubt Stringer is one of those.