AFL Integrity has warned Essendon to be vigilant over who it allows into its change rooms after concerns were raised about players’ associates.
It’s believed the Bombers were warned to be aware of associates of recently delisted Bomber Nick Hind, who is known to have a shared friendship group with teammate Jake Stringer.
It’s believed the associates regularly attend Essendon matches and were seen in the Bombers’ rooms more than once this season.
The AFL confirmed to the Herald Sun it had advised a club that friends of a player were not welcome in the club’s inner-sanctum, but
would not confirm the club or the player.
The league did not disclose the reason the warning was issued.
The Bombers have been contacted for comment.
Stringer, 30, is reported to be in a stand-off with the Bombers and despite being contracted for another season, he is exploring a possible trade.
The Herald Sun understands that rival clubs are aware of the situation with Stringer, his friends and AFL Integrity.
After being linked to Collingwood in a possible trade, reports emerged that the Pies have cooled their interest in the dynamic forward.
Sydney is reported to the frontrunner if a Stringer trade plays out.
In an interview with the Herald Sun in May, Stringer said he began exploring Islam when he met a Muslim man at a sponsor’s barbecue in December last year.
The man invited Stringer to attend a mosque in Sunshine.
“I talk to him every day and see him most days since then,” Stringer said of the relationship.
“The guys there have been massive for me this year, just helping me to find a very good balance. Their brotherhood is amazing and it’s something I’ve loved from the moment I met them.’’