DUMPED Western Bulldogs forward Jake Stringer has produced a characteristic performance in the VFL on Sunday in his bid to win his spot back in the seniors before the finals..

The 22-year-old lined up for Footscray against Werribee after a month of substandard performances and produced a trademark mix of brilliance and silly mistakes.

After starting the game looking a little disinterested, the 2015 All Australian worked into the match switching between attack and the midfield in front of Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge.

His blistering line-breaking runs, tackle-bursting forays and defensive pressure were tarnished by turnovers and fumbles.

Stringer's frustration boiled over at times, getting involved in wrestles and arguing with the umpire amid constant heckling from the Werribee faithful.

Footscray coach Ashley Hansen was happy with his contribution of 21 disposals, nine tackles and a goal, but couldn’t guarantee a "resilient" Stringer would return to the senior side for next Sunday's clash with Fremantle.

"(Jake) performed the way we expected him to," Hansen said.

"He split his time between the forward line and the midfield, which we wanted to do as its part of his AFL (role).

"I think it was an important step forward today in his performance and winning his spot back at AFL level.

"Whether that opportunity comes next week or the following week or the second week of the finals, we don't know."

Beveridge would have been pleased by the form of several other Dogs.

Midfielders Mitch Honeychurch (35 disposals and a goal), Bailey Dale (29 disposals and a goal) had busy afternoons while out-of-favour ruckman Will Minson had 23 possessions and kicked two goals.

Draft prospect Ben Long lined up for Footscray as its 23rd man and performed admirably, kicking three goals and showing class.

The 19-year-old midfielder is the nephew of Essendon great, Michael Long.