Western Bulldogs star Jake Stringer has been dropped from the side to face Essendon on Sunday afternoon.
Stringer has struggled for form recently, managing just four goals over the past month.
The talented forward was named on an extended bench in the Bulldogs' 25-man squad when teams were released on Thursday, however, he will make way for one of ย Toby McLean,ย Koby Stevens,ย Will Minson orย Roarke Smith, who were all inclusions for this week's game.
The 22-year-old was in sublime form earlier in the year, booting 20 goals in the opening eight rounds, however, he has failed to recapture that form in the back half of the season and Luke Beveridge has finally has enough.
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Look who's lining up in the forward pocket for the Bulldogs' VFL team this week @ethan_meldrum pic.twitter.com/UxVUGZuW3g
— Ronny Lerner (@RonnyLerner) August 19, 2016
Not scared of making the big call, Bevo. Jake Stringer out to find some touch ... Call made reasonably early in week @7NewsMelbourne
— Mark Stevens (@Stevo7AFL) August 19, 2016
It's happening... Understand Jake Stringer dropped. Not related to shoulder, all about form. Set to play VFL on Sunday. @FOXFOOTY
— Neroli Meadows (@Neroli_M_FOX) August 19, 2016
As reporters you should know that everyone on a sunday extended bench gets named in the VFL team for the weekend. All 7 bulldogs players named on the bench are named in that vfl team you put up. Get a clue