IT LOOMS as a big year in the young life of Western Bulldogs forward Jake Stringer.
Greater responsibility will come on and off the field in 2014, and at just 19 years of age, Stringer believes he is well equipped to handle it.
Having completed two pre-seasons since being taken with pick No.5 in the 2012 NAB AFL Draft, he'll be expected to play a more prominent role in the Dogs' anticipated rise up the ladder.
He has ambitions to play in the midfield, but for now, like most young players, he's content to play where the coach wants him.
"I'm just happy playing a role as forward but if that involves getting up through the midfield, then I'm more than happy to do that but at the minute I'm happy playing forward," said Stringer
His cause in attack will be helped by the arrival of Stewart Crameri, and that was evident at times during the Bulldogs' NAB Challenge win over St Kilda on Wednesday night.
"It was good having Stewy Crameri to run around with for the first time, he's a big boy and good to play with," he said
"On the training track he's in our best trainers, he's someone I look up to and it's always good to play with someone you look up to."
While Crameri will play a big role in helping Stringer emerge into the on-field star that many believe he can become, several other senior players will help him become the man he needs to be off the field.
Because come August, Stringer and long-time partner Abby Gilmore will become parents for the first time.
"It's something I'm looking forward to and it's going to be very exciting," said Stringer
He believes the responsibility of being a young parent will have a positive impact on him as a person and as a footballer.
"You've got to grow up a little bit quicker which is always good but there is plenty of great (fathers) around the club including Adam Cooney, Gia (Daniel Giansiracusa), Murph(Robert Murphy), Dale Morris and Matthew Boyd,"
"Those boys have been really good for me."
And Stringer is open to adding another chapter to the rich history of sons following in their father's footsteps at Whitten Oval.
"Hopefully, but it doesn't really bother me whether it’s a boy or a girl."
