GWS coach Adam Kingsley says that Jake Stringer's preparation for season 2025 has been "patchy", flagging multiple bouts of illness and injury that ultimately saw him start as the sub in Sunday's Derby against Sydney.
Externally, the move to demote Stringer to the sub role was peculiar, given the Giants' inability to put on big scores in recent weeks.
However, the former Bombers forward had kicked three goals and 12 behinds in the first five matches at his third club, and Kingsley thought it would be a good opportunity to use him sparingly.
"He's preparation into really all season has been a little bit (off)," Kingsley said after the 14-point loss.
"Ever since he got quite crook a week and a half before the Opening Round, it's just been a bit patchy. We know he hurt his hamstring and missed a chunk of footy, and got crook again last week, and played crook.
"I made an error of judgment there playing him. I thought he'd be okay, but he wasn't.
"But it's just been a bit patchy, he's preparation. And we thought if we can get a good block of running into him, after being the sub, it would help him in future weeks.
"And if that means he misses a week, and we use that extra week to train him, then that's what he'll do."
Stringer responded as soon as he entered the field, kicking three goals from five touches when coming on at half-time for Toby Bedford, who copped a whack from Lewis Melican, resulting in "blurred vision".
The 31-year-old's impact is exactly why GWS traded for the premiership player, but they will look at building his fitness to ensure that his output is more consistent.
"His goals were when we needed them," Kingsley added.
"We know his capability. We've got to get him near his best, in terms of fitness and athleticism, in the short term, so that he can reach what he's capable of.
"He's not quite there at the moment through illness."
The Giants suffered their third consecutive loss, placing them eighth on the ladder with four wins and four defeats.
Kingsley's men will have another challenge on their hands as they travel to GMHBA Stadium to take on Geelong.
