AT THE age of 32, Greater Western Sydney star Jake Stringer reckons he’s got something in common with Benjamin Button.

Like the movie character played by Brad Pitt, the key forward has been winding back the clock to keep the Giants in the frame for finals and says he's far from hanging up his boots.

Stringer was electric in the Giants’ shock 21-point upset of Fremantle, firing off a career-best seven goals to end the league leaders' 14-game winning streak.

Having been written off by most in the AFL world ahead of last week's Fremantle clash, the Giants remain in the hunt and sit 13th on 28 points - four points behind 10th-placed Carlton.

Stringer's haul of 35 goals across 16 games so far ranks as his third-best output in his career.

His 2015 season of 56 goals from 22 games at the Western Bulldogs remains a career best, ahead of his 2021 campaign of 41 goals from 19 games at Essendon.

Stringer kicked 25 goals across 15 games in his debut Giants season last year.

ROUND 18 Get your seats to Giants v Cats

While he can't pinpoint his new vein of form to one thing, Stringer says his move to the Harbour City at the end of 2024 has played a large part.

The 2016 premiership Bulldog's contract is due to expire at the end of the season.

"I was saying to someone the other day, I feel like it's a bit of a weird one that my body's getting better with age," Stringer said this week.

"If you had said that when I was 27 or 28, I would have said the opposite when I was in Melbourne.

"I feel like now I'm almost in reverse and feel like I'm getting younger the more games I'm playing.

"I'm certainly enjoying running around with the younger crew, and it is certainly making me feel younger.

"I feel like the end is not too close. I still feel like I've got quite a few good years of footy left in me.

"I'm also realistic that in six weeks' time, it could be my last ever game."

Stringer has been a crucial cog in the injury-hit Giants' fight to stay in the finals race, the only forward to feature in all 16 games so far.

Fellow goalkickers Jesse Hogan (finger), Jake Riccardi (ankle), Max Gruzewski (knee), Brent Daniels (calf) and Darcy Jones (knee) are among those sidelined.

The Giants at least get to welcome back Xavier O’Halloran (ankle) and Phoenix Gothard (managed), and defender Jayden Laverde (hamstring).

MEDICAL ROOM Check out the full injury list

"I don't think people understand how hard it can be," Stringer said of the injuries.

"You're so reliant on other forwards and knowing different ways that they lead or don't lead and what space they like - a lot goes into it. 

"It's had its challenges, but I've certainly enjoyed facing those different challenges week in, week out with younger kids."