A young* Western Bulldogs supporter is putting his pocket money where his mouth is to keep Jake Stringer in the fold, amid growing speculation about the star’s future at the club.
Doggies die-hard David Bowers written a heartfelt letter to the star forward, begging him to stay on the team.
“I am riting this letter because I love the Bulldogs and you are my faveret player of ever and I don’t want you to leave becoz I will cry,” the letter states.
“I have sent you my poket munny so you won’t have to go. You are the best.”
The letter includes a $20 note, in reference to the 20 cents included in a 1996 plea from seven-year-old fan Ryan Adams for star Chris Grant to reject a tidy sum from Port Adelaide stay in the red, white and blue.
History showed Grant staying loyal to the club.
One difference is David Bowers is not in fact a saddened seven-year-old, but rather a 53-year-old father of three.
Mr Bowers, whose letter has since gone viral on social media, insists the plea is no less heartfelt and reflects the view of the majority of the club’s supporters.
“It would be ridiculous to get rid of him, he is just a once in a lifetime player,” he told Star Weekly.
“He is the most exciting player out there.”
Stringer remains contracted to the Bulldogs, but doubts on his future were brought to the fore last week when teammate Mitch Wallis said the 2015 All-Australian needed to commit or quit.
Mr Bowers said the silence from the club and Stringer amidst the swirling speculation makes it difficult to know where the situation stands, but it was promising to see Stringer attend the Footscray Bulldogs VFL finals clash on Sunday.
“It shows a certain amount of loyalty and means he is comfortable hanging around the group.”
Mr Bowers concedes 2017 wasn’t the finest season for ‘The Package’, but argues it is a mere blip following a stellar two seasons.
The letter was posted on Monday, so Mr Bowers must now wait for Australia Post to play its part in ensuring Stringer knows his fans are willing to dig deep to see him stay.
*at heart
