Western Bulldogs development coach Ash Hansen says forward Jake Stringer took some "positive steps" towards rejuvenating his spiralling form in Footscray's 63-point thrashing of the Werribee Tigers at Avalon Airport Oval on Sunday.
Stringer, who racked up 21 disposals (13 kicks, eight handballs), one mark, nine tackles and a goal – kicked in the second term – split his game time between the midfield and forward with his usual swagger but at times failed to finish with polish.
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On occasions, the 22-year-old had the finesse to drive his way through heavy traffic, only to end up with some errant disposals, although his drive did result in some Bulldogs scores.
While Hansen wasn't prepared to guarantee a senior recall ahead of Sunday's clash against Fremantle at Domain Stadium – that conversation will be had at the match committee this week – he was adamant Stringer had made progress, hopeful that it could be the spark to drive a form revival ahead of finals.
![Jake Stringer racked up 21 disposals in the VFL on Sunday.](/web/20160823133736im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/q/x/q/e/p/image.related.articleLeadNarrow.300x0.gqxqf0.png/1471823589072.jpg)
"Whether that opportunity comes next week, or the following week, or the second week of the finals, we don't know, but we're just looking to ensuring Jake's preparing really well to contribute when he does get that chance," Hansen said.
"For him to lay nine tackles and probably do the stuff that's not flashy, for him to invest in his teammates and look to share the ball and get others involved … and his work rate from contest to contest, we're pretty happy with that so I think it was an important step forward today in his performance and obviously winning a spot back at AFL level."
He described Stringer as a "resilient guy", suggesting that he "probably would've liked to play with a little bit more polish I'm sure with regards to his finishing, but that's going to grow."
"He's been around the club for four years now, but he is still human and everyone feels the pressure and it's hard coming down here to play at VFL level, but I thought the way he acquitted himself and the way he embraced the Scray spirit, which we like to call it, was really admirable," he said.
North's Ed Vickers-Willis had the job on Stringer and was named as Werribee's best with 23 disposals. Mitch Hibberd was also among Werribee's best with 30 touches, as was Robin Nahas, who was the Tigers' chief goalkicker with three.
Geelong midfielder Billie Smedts made an encouraging return from injury with 16 disposals in the Cats' shock 11-point win over the Casey Scorpions at Simonds Stadium. Zac Bates also got through unscathed from a quad injury.
"Smedts and Bates were sensational today, both playing that high forward role," Cats VFL coach Shane O'Bree said.
The Scorpions had led by 33 points in the third term, before the Cats clawed their way back. Casey have fallen to second spot behind Collingwood.
In Sunday's other matches, Port Melbourne kept their top-four hopes alive with a 46-point win over Frankston and Richmond upset Sandringham by nine points.