Strauss's junior career was spent playing for the Oakleigh Chargers in the TAC Cup and for Scotch College in the Associated Public Schools in Victoria.
Ankle and leg problems hampered him early in the year and he ultimately injured his shoulder playing for Melbourne's VFL-affiliate, the Casey Scorpions.
[1] Strauss improved his physical frame and worked hard to return to full fitness in the pre-season of the 2010 season to ensure he was pushing for senior selection.
Commentators noted that it was just as sickening as the recent broken leg suffered by Fremantle's Michael Barlow the previous season and the broken snap suffered by Richmond's Nathan Brown way back in 2005, and during Network Ten's coverage of the match their commentators warned their viewers that "if you're a bit queasy, look away now".
[7] In 2016, Strauss signed for VAFA Premier division club St Kevin's Old Boys, linking up with former Demons teammates Rohan Bail and Jordan Gysberts.