Crameri kicked three goals from 20 disposals in the Dogs' 23-point win over St Kilda on Sunday, in a consistent display. It took his tally to 31 goals in his first season with the club since crossing from Essendon last year.
But it was his forward partner in Stringer who took centre stage, booting four goals in an exciting showing. Stringer has now kicked 20 goals for the season from 15 games, and with every step he takes, Crameri feels the side improving as well.
"It's given me a bit of a break. As soon as ‘Jakey’ comes on, it'll be better for me," he told AFL.com.au.
"I think he's a bit of a freak, really. He kicked one of his goals as a check-side kick and I said to him 'Geez, mate, you could have passed that off'.
"But he's too talented for that so he went it himself and shrugged off four blokes and kicked the goal. That's what he's capable of. I love playing with him because he's so hard at the ball and he's damaging."
Dogs hold firm against surging Saints
Stringer could have been excused for having other things on his mind. The 20-year-old's partner, Abby Gilmore, is expecting the couple's first child any day, but that didn't stop him from producing a dynamic performance.
Crameri, Stringer and Tom Campbell (one goal) worked on creating the right match-ups throughout the win over the Saints, with each playing their role.
Stringer, Crameri thinks, adds his own spice to every disposal.
"As soon as I know he's going to get the ball, I'm just expecting something special for him now. He's doing a great job and improving," he said.
So too are the Dogs, according to Crameri. The forward, who turned 26 on Sunday, occasionally has to remind himself of the youth on the club's list, and that progression will take time.
But, as he nears the end of his first season in the red, white and blue, he can see the wheel turning.
"I think (in) one more pre-season we'll see another huge improvement because they're only 19 or 20 years old. I forget I'm a lot older than these guys and they're doing a great job," he said.
"At least there's an improvement from last year to this year and I can see it stepping up again next year."
