HE'S been the Western Bulldogs' swingman this season but Jake Stringer has his eye on a move to the midfield in the future.

The pick No.5 in the 2012 NAB AFL Draft, has played every game in season 2014, having started forward and then moved to defence in the past month.

Coach Brendan McCartney said the 20-year-old needed to improve his fitness first before a move on-ball is even considered.

"He'll get that [midfield position] when he gets a bit fitter, and we'll decide that at the right time," McCartney said last week.

"He'll play probably back for a while, he's making a bit of progress there. The end result is he's going to be a pretty good player.

"He's like all young people, he's got a bit to work on. This game challenges everyone and in particular it challenges young people to adapt and adjust to the game."

Stringer has shown his ability to rise to the challenge and adapt this season and is relishing his new role in defence with Dale Morris and Jordan Roughead teaching him the tricks of the trade.

"At the minute I'm happy playing as a forward and as a backman, but hopefully in the coming years I can move into pinch hitting in the midfield," Stringer told the AFL Record.

"I've learnt all the little tricks you need as a defender. Where to stand, reading the ball flight and all that type of stuff. Having Dale and Jordan there has been good. It has been a challenge, but I've enjoyed it.

"It's just being a good change up. You do get sick of playing in the same position week-in and week-out so it's been good being able to do both."