RETIRED Western Bulldogs great Bob Murphy says he's "surprised" at talk Jake Stringer may be traded away from Whitten Oval.

Since the reigning premiers missed this year's finals series, speculation has mounted that Stringer and the club are keen to part ways. 

Geelong and Essendon are the two clubs reportedly at the front of the queue. 

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Speaking on Melbourne radio station SEN, Murphy said with the Bulldogs' disappointing season, more scrutiny was inevitable.

"It was a tough year with high expectation, and we never quite got there," the former skipper said.

"When you have a gap as big as ours, in terms of where we finished last year, to finishing out of the eight this year, the microscope is pretty tight.

"Jake had a year well below his best, but I must admit I’m surprised to see where it’s at, at the moment. 

"I’m always shocked when players are traded, especially guys who are legitimate senior players and are as talented as Jake." 

Stringer played 16 games this season, kicking 24.26 and struggled to find his best form.

The 23-year-old has played 89 games in five seasons for the Bulldogs.