Clay Ready to Go

[westdog54]

http://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/ne...-out-for-power


Clay Smith is on the verge of a match play return this weekend, with the hard-edged midfielder cleared to play by the Club’s medical staff.

After completing a lengthy rehabilitation following a third knee reconstruction, the 23-year-old is set to return to the field for the first time since round six last season.

It is expected Smith will return through the VFL for the Footscray Bulldogs on Saturday against Geelong.

Meanwhile, fellow ACL victim Roarke Smith has been cleared to return to full training, with a return to play not too far away either.

Speaking to westernbulldogs.com.au, General Manager Football Graham Lowe said he was pleased that both players had hit these key milestones in their recovery.

“Both those two have been working hard for an extended period of time, in terms of their recovery from their ACL injuries,” Lowe said

“It’s great to welcome Clay back, and have Roarke really close as well.”

While the news is good for the Smiths, acting skipper Easton Wood will have to sit out Saturday’s clash with Port Adelaide after incurring a minor hamstring strain in the lead up to Sunday’s win over West Coast.

“Woody got a low grade hamstring injury at training on Saturday, he won’t be available to play this weekend,” Lowe told BulldogsTV.

“We’re going to assess him next week with a view to his availability for round 13.”

Toby McLean is set for a lengthy stint on the sidelines, after scans today confirmed a mid footy injury.

“Toby has a right mid foot sprain that he got during the AFL game,” Lowe said.

“We’re going to manage him conservatively, [and] he’s going to be in a moon boot for three to four weeks.”

Lowe indicated McLean’s return to play date would be assessed once he has come out of the boot.

Meanwhile in VFL action at the weekend, Nathan Hrovat sustained a high grade AC joint injury in his right shoulder and also has a sideline stint ahead of him.

Lowe indicated a rehabilitation program would be determined for him following a specialist consultation.

“We’re seeking a specialist opinion, and subject to that opinion we’ll confirm whether he’ll require surgical intervention. “

[westdog54]

Please, Footballing Gods, let this return be a little more permanent.

[bulldogtragic]

Please, Footballing Gods, let this return be a little more permanent.

Amen brother WD. I'd love to see anything close to his best footy. It's darn good. I wonder if there's a set role for him up forward midfield or a more straight line running rebounding defender?

[Twodogs]

Amen brother WD. I'd love to see anything close to his best footy. It's darn good. I wonder if there's a set role for him up forward midfield or a more straight line running rebounding defender?

Up forward shooting for goal. He's a lovely kick for goal.

[comrade]

Surely he's made enough sacrifices to the footy gods to last a lifetime.

Time to leave him alone and get on with things.

[LostDoggy]

I love the thought of his first game back in the ones. We'll be running through brick walls. God help the opposition with a rehabilitated Clay and Libba together in the middle.

[FrediKanoute]

Hrovat not having much luck

[bornadog]

Good luck to Clay

[LostDoggy]

Poor bloke has had way too much bad luck.Honestly my favourite young pup, tough as nails.

[BulldogBelle]

l will hold my breath and hope all goes well for Clay.
Good Luck

[Mantis]

Hope he gets a good run at it.. I don't know where (if) he fits in anymore, but hoping he gets the opportunity to prove his worth.

[Twodogs]

Hope he gets a good run at it.. I don't know where (if) he fits in anymore, but hoping he gets the opportunity to prove his worth.

He's a reliable shot for goal. That's a point of difference in this team.

[Ghost Dog]

He's a reliable shot for goal. That's a point of difference in this team.

Is he? I'm absolutely pumped to have him back, but his ball drop used to make me look away in pain.

[Twodogs]

Is he? I'm absolutely pumped to have him back, but his ball drop used to make me look away in pain.

Yeah he mungrels it but somehow manages to kick it straight through the big sticks most times. His field kicking is pretty unreliable but it all comes good when he is kicking for goal.

A bit like Suckling's technique is all wrong and his centre is way off when his foot hits the ball but other than Lindsay Gilbee I can't think of a more effective kick of the footy playing for us. Small sample I admit.

[Ghost Dog]

Yeah he mungrels it but somehow manages to kick it straight through the big sticks most times. His field kicking is pretty unreliable but it all comes good when he is kicking for goal.

A bit like Suckling's technique is all wrong and his centre is way off when his foot hits the ball but other than Lindsay Gilbee I can't think of a more effective kick of the footy playing for us. Small sample I admit.

Do you play the kid in a defensive mode, try to mitigate the damage that could be done, or to hell with it and let him loose?