Western Bulldogs forward Jake Stringer could be thrust upon the VFL finals next weekend in a third consecutive match at the lower level in a bid to attack the AFL finals "full of confidence".
Stringer, in his second outing at Whitten Oval in the Bulldogs' 32-point win over Collingwood, gathered 22 disposals and kicked a goal; the Bulldogs' first of the game, playing largely in the midfield and up forward.
![Jake Stringer playing for the Bulldogs before being dropped to the VFL.](/web/20160828202433im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/r/2/p/1/7/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gr2p0j.png/1472285889816.jpg)
Bulldogs VFL coach Ash Hansen said, while it is a match committee decision, he is hopeful Stringer will continue to build on another "solid hit-out" in next week's final.
Stringer qualifies for finals under AFL Victoria rules, as he did not play AFL in round 23.
The Bulldogs, currently fourth after the win, could play league leaders Casey in a qualifying final, or drop to fifth and play Essendon in an elimination final if Port Melbourne win on Sunday.
"I'd like to hope that he plays to continue to build on his form," Hansen said.
"I think that would be great preparation for him to play another one and build again on his performances and really go into the first AFL final full of confidence and knowing he's in a good place, both physically and mentally."
But the decision for Stringer – and other Bulldogs pushing for a senior recall next week – could be dependent on AFL Victoria's scheduling of finals. The Bulldogs are hopeful of a Saturday final, particularly if they are to partake in an AFL final just days later.
"I hope the VFL takes into consideration our AFL group. You'd hate for a young player to be jeopardised by the fixturing. Obviously we're hoping for a Saturday final, which allows our guys to be selected for AFL," he said.
Stringer's performance on Saturday wasn't dominant, but he attacked the contest with his usual flair. At one stage in the final term, he attempted to drive his way through heavy traffic, only to be caught for holding the ball.
For the most part, it was his clever little handballs to create goals that were the major highlight. His goal late in the first term came from a snap, which gave him plenty of confidence. Hansen said the club was after a "well-rounded performance" from the forward, who is looking for a spark to revive his season.
"We want to continue to embrace Jake's strength and certainly his ability to get out of traffic with good use of his legs, is an attribute he has and we want to continue to encourage him to play with those," Hansen said.
"We know Jake Stringer at his best is very good and he's certainly going to complement our AFL side. It's just a matter of having a well-rounded performance."
The ruling that a player who featured in round 23 in the AFL is deemed ineligible to play VFL finals in week one, is set to be a contentious one as VFL clubs scramble to look at which players qualify. The AFL's decision to have a bye before the finals has meant that it's a "unique position" for clubs with "no precedent to go off".
Bulldogs ruckman Will Minson, for instance, has spent the majority of the season at VFL level, before being promoted for Sunday's clash against Fremantle. He is deemed ineligible to play in Footscray's final next week.
"It's an interesting one. It can certainly help some players, but it can be a disadvantage for others," Hansen said.
"If Will has a great game in Perth [on Sunday] and then is in line to hold his spot, I suppose he wouldn't want to jeopardise that by playing in the first VFL final.
"I know Will when he understood the rule was actually disappointed, because he's actually been with us all year and he was excited about the prospect of having success at VFL level."
Hansen said Jordan Roughead, who was a carry-over emergency for the Dockers clash, also won't be eligible as he didn't feature in the VFL, while defender Easton Wood would be eligible to play, if he returns from injury. Collingwood forward Travis Cloke, is also ineligible for the Pies' VFL final, having been named to play against Hawthorn on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Hawthorn got some much-needed game time into defender Matt Spangher, who spent most of the match up forward for Box Hill against Casey on Saturday with two goals.
Will Langford and Daniel Howe also got through unscathed.