Stringer, who was the Bulldogs’ first selection in the 2012 AFL Draft, has worked closely with the ex-Geelong premiership player in his time at the Kennel and is learning quickly that Mooney demands full commitment in every training drill.
“Train the way you want to play is probably the biggest thing, every time you train at 100%, you normally get the most out of yourself and you are training well,” Stringer said.
“[Cam] just really demanded a… consistent effort through the forward line.
“Not slipping into the holes of the big group [but] trying to stay out the front and demanding a lot out of yourself.”
Stringer has been conscious of the increased intensity at training in the lead up to season proper, as he continues to adjust to the workload of his first AFL pre-season.
Sporting a more streamlined figure, he has already made progress reducing his skinfolds, while still maintaining his strength and power.
“In the last three weeks training has just gone through the roof, with everything – consistency, with the effort, skills, everything,” he said.
Stringer will get his first chance Friday night against Hawthorn, after the talented teenager was given the late call-up to the Bulldogs’ NAB Cup squad following the withdrawal of Dylan Addison through soreness.
The ready built 18-year-old has the ability to make an impact across the ground but has predominantly been training with the forward group this pre-season, as he builds his endurance and running capacity.
His physicality and hunger for the ball will be a big asset for the Bulldogs in coming years, highlighted by his ability to take a strong contested mark but also compete at ground level.
“There’s a lot more to do with one on ones – a lot of one on one contests with the marking then also on the ground, because I’m at that height where it is important for me to be able to compete in the air but also on the ground - so there has been a lot of emphasis on that,” he said.
A country boy who hails from Bendigo, Stringer has transitioned into the Bulldogs playing group with ease and while he is driven by his competitive spirit, he has also found satisfaction in watching his fellow teammates come along over summer.
“You’re working with them but you are also competing against them… you are just trying to tweak little things in your game but also help your teammates out,” he said.
