Both Stringer and Macrae have been impressive performers on the track, but the club's new development coach, former West Coast forward Ashley Hansen, is urging Bulldogs fans to have patience when assessing their progress.
"We haven't really given those guys a target of how many games we want them to play or anything like that, because we don't want to put added pressure on them," Hansen told AFL.com.au.
"We just want to see continual improvement, and we want to make sure that they're adapting to the AFL lifestyle.
"We're in no rush to make these boys play in round one. We want to make then 10-year players not one-year players."
The Bulldogs selected Stringer and Macrae with selections five and six in last year's NAB AFL Draft.
Although both possess undoubted talent, they are at different stages in their development.
"Jakey Stringer has definitely got the body that's ready to go and he could step in," Hansen explained.
"But there are a lot of areas that he's got to work on before he can get that opportunity.
"Jackson Macrae probably hasn't got the body yet, but he's making massive gains in that area."
A left-footed midfielder, who showed great versatility during his TAC Cup career with the Oakleigh Chargers, Macrae arrived at the Bulldogs weighing 78kg.
But he has worked very hard in the gym over the summer.
"Putting on five or six kilos … has been really positive for me,” the 18-year-old told BulldogsTV.
"Hopefully I can keep pushing that weight up until the start of the season."
Both Stringer, a Bendigo boy who weighs more than 90kgs, and Macrae will be given plenty of game time during the NAB Cup.
"They've both got weaknesses that could be exploited at AFL level, but then again there will be opportunities for them this year," Hansen said.
"If they play well in the NAB Cup, we're not going to hold back their development if they're ready to go.
"But at the same time, we'll be mindful that it's a long-term process with these guys.
"We want to get the best out of them and not throw them in too deep too early."
The Bulldogs begin their NAB Cup campaign when they take on Collingwood and Essendon on the opening night of the competition at Etihad Stadium on February 15.
Adam McNicol covers Western Bulldogs news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter at @AFL_AdamMcNicol
