A return of nine goals from seven games indicates first round draft pick Jake Stringer is brimming with talent but Western Bulldogs Development Coach Ashley Hansen says the young forward’s “football education” is only just beginning.

Although Stringer has shown himself to be an impact player who can hit the scoreboard,  Hansen is mindful that the 19-year-old might be putting too much pressure on himself early in his career.

“A young player can put a lot of pressure on himself to think they have to come in and star and do more than what we expect,” Hansen said.

“We are looking for development, we are looking for you to play a role and we are looking for you to contribute to the side – you don’t have to star.”

“But we definitely want a contribution and when you have to play a role that you do it well and you do it correctly.”

Stringer’s ability to read the play and position himself to advantage has been a great asset for the 19-year-old against more mature opponents this year.

Hansen  said the Bendigo Pioneers recruit’s competitiveness at ground level makes him a rounded player and difficult to match up on.

“His ability to get to the right areas is something that is a real strength of his game, he is a natural footballer and he’s got an appetite for the contest,” he said.

“He is really good at ground level and competing for the ground level ball but he’s also very apt in the air.

“So with our two key forwards and him being that third, it gives us a really versatile weapon up there.”

Hansen is most encouraged by the 2012 recruit’s willingness to stand up in pressure moments.

“He wants the ball in his hands and he wants to deliver and I think, hopefully down the track when we are in big games, he will want the ball in his hands and he will want to play like that.

“There are not too many of them that really embrace the big occasion and the boy from Bendigo definitely likes that, so it is a good quality to have.”