JAKE Stringer's hopes of an elimination final recall appear to have been boosted after the star Western Bulldogs forward was left out of Footscray's VFL side to face Casey Scorpions this Saturday.
The move could point to Stringer's return against West Coast, with only a five-day break between the VFL qualifying final and the Dogs' elimination final at Domain Stadium on Thursday night.
Stringer has been left out of Bulldogs' senior side for the past two matches after being told to go back to the VFL and improve his workrate.
The All Australian picked up 21 touches, laid nine tackles and booted a goal in his first match against Werribee but still didn't force his way in for the Dogs' round 23 loss to Fremantle.
But Stringer had another 23 touches, four tackles and a goal last weekend and the AFL side only booted six goals in the loss to the Dockers.
Teammate Jason Johannisen said Stringer handled his demotion as well as he could and was confident he could recapture his best form.
"He stays the same and he understands that's what happens in footy and he's doing the best he can," he said.
"He is (a resilient guy). He understands what he needs to do (to get back in the side) and I think he's going really well.
"He's tackled it really well and I think he's good back and found some really good form."
"It's going to be up to the match committee to see if he's ready to play against the Eagles."
Meanwhile, Will Minson's chances of holding his place in the team to face the Eagles seem to have taken a hit with the ruckman named in the VFL side.