Western Bulldogs youngster Jake Stringer has dropped 5kg as he prepares for more time in the midfield this season.
Stringer, who kicked 26 goals from 18 matches in 2014, was a standout during the Bulldogs' pre-season match simulation drills, with his forward line play earning rave reviews from teammates.
However with recruit Tom Boyd stationed inside 50, coach Luke Beveridge has proposed a hybrid forward/midfield role for Stringer in 2015.
Stringer, 20, has dropped to 88kg in preparation for the season after floating between 92 and93kgs last season.
"Bevo (Beveridge) is really big on being able to play multiple roles which is good for everyone, so you're not just stuck playing in the forward line," Stringer told AFL.com.au on the Bulldogs' Australia Post Community Camp in Ballarat.
"There'll be a lot of boys playing in different positions this year."
Having Boyd, who was traded from Greater Western Sydney for 2014 Dogs skipper Ryan Griffen, as the focal point up forward creates opportunities for other players to bob up.
No longer does Stringer, who stands at 192cm, have to play as the power forward, which in turn suits the Bulldogs' strategy of faster ball movement under Beveridge.
Boyd and Jack Redpath are set to act as the key targets, which will allow Stringer and Stewart Crameri to roam up and down the ground and use their fitness to advantage.
Rounding out the Bulldogs' attack will be the damaging small forwards Luke Dahlhaus, Lachie Hunter, Nathan Hrovat and Mitch Honeychurch.
"Last year me and Stewy (Crameri) shared the number one defender," Stringer said.
"Having Tom (Boyd) and Jack (Redpath), one of us (Stringer or Crameri) is at least going to get out and have the third or fourth defender, so it's going to be a pretty dangerous forward line."
The Western Bulldogs’ next NAB Challenge hit-out will be on Saturday 14 March against Melbourne at Eureka Stadium.