AMID CRITICISM over his form, Western Bulldogs forward Jake Stringer believes a return to his dynamic best isn't far away.
Stringer has kicked only four goals in his past four outings after kicking 33 goals in his first 18 matches this season.
His form slump lead Hawthorn great Dermot Brereton to say the 2015 All Australian wants to "play his footy without suffering any body punishment" and that he "pulls out of the contest and wants to crumb" the ball.
Wait and see for Bulldogs veteran in 2017
While he admits he's been struggling over the past month, Stringer says he's been too busy heeding advice from his coaches to listen to critiques on his output.
"It's been a quiet couple of weeks for me," Stringer told AFL.com.au.
"You don't read into the outside noise, it's just really important make sure your internal stuff is sound and perfect.
"I just concentrate on what my forward coach Daniel Giansiracusa and midfield coach Steven King say and what my teammates and 'Bevo' need as well.
"That's who I look for guidance from.
"I'm certain that (my form) will turn around pretty soon, and hopefully before the finals roll around."
Stringer agrees with Luke Beveridge's sentiments that consistency is his problem, and he's been working closely with the coaching staff on the training track in search of a remedy.
After a brilliant first-quarter goal against Collingwood last week, Stringer went missing until several important touches in the dying minutes helped the Dogs secure a gripping three-point win.
"It was disappointing I faded in and out of the (Collingwood) game, which I've done the last three or four weeks," he said.
"I'm starting to feel really good and the work I'm doing with (assistant coaches) 'Gia', Rohan Smith, 'Kingy' and 'Bevo' is really helping.
"I'm really confident in the work I'm doing (on the training track) is going to roll out into games soon."
Sunday's clash with Essendon at Etihad Stadium looms as crucial on two fronts for Stringer, as a win will keep the seventh-placed Bulldogs' slim top-four aspirations alive.
The game could also mark the final AFL appearance of Bulldog-turned-Bomber Adam Cooney, and Stringer said the Dogs would be out to spoil his great mate's milestone match in a respectful manner.
"It is quite special and Adam was over at my house last night and we were having a bit of a yarn and laugh," Stringer said.
"Hopefully I can sneak down to the back line and play on him, which would be good.
"A lot of us played with Adam Cooney and to play in (potentially) his send-off game is really exciting, (but) hopefully we get a win and carry on our form into the finals.
"We're looking forward to showing him the respect after the game that he deserves."
