Persistent competitiveness and second and third efforts are increasingly becoming Western Bulldog Jake Stringer’s niche, after the 18-year-old made his Williamstown debut in the VFL last Sunday.

Stringer continued to show why he was the club's first pick against Geelong’s VFL side in Torquay, with his trademark attack on the ball and ability to make something out of nothing. 

Playing a half forward role in the Seagulls eight point loss, the Bendigo recruit focussed on his defensive pressure and capped off his performance with a goal – but it was the opportunity to get minutes under his belt that he valued most.

“It was just a bit of a workrate role really – just trying to get a few [km’s] into the legs,” Stringer said.

“It was probably one of those games that we could have clinched the win but we just struggled to get over them in the end.”

Since coming to Whitten Oval a major focus for Stringer has been on getting match fit and adjusting to the demands that he will encounter at senior level.

Mindful of the training standards and output of Club veterans Robert Murphy and Daniel Giansiracusa during the pre-season, the first round draftee was quick to realise the commitment required.

“They are pushing their bodies, their mind, everything,” he said.

“For a young kid to come in and be able to witness that and then see how it out folds on the weekend, yeah, it’s unbelievable.”

While Stringer gained immediate attention from an impressive goal during the NAB Cup, the determined 18-year-old is more than willing to work hard in the VFL to earn a senior call up.

“I gave it a little bit [of a celebration] – it was only NAB Cup too, so wait til the real season comes in,” he joked.

“I will work my way through Williamstown and hopefully get my name called out sooner than later.”