Tough Dog facing VFL ban for high hit

WESTERN Bulldogs forward Clay Smith has been offered a one-match suspension in the VFL, continuing a frustrating run for the premiership hero.
Smith landed a high bump on Coburg's Ben Allan in Saturday's clash at Whitten Oval, with his opponent helped off the ground by trainers and ruled out for the rest of the match with concussion.

The incident was graded as careless conduct with medium impact to the head by the VFL Match Review Panel, with Smith able to accept a one-match sanction with an early guilty plea.

Smith has only played one game at AFL level since round nine, suffering a three-week calf injury and struggling with form when recalled against Adelaide in round 16.

The 24-year-old was one of the heroes of the Bulldogs' 2016 premiership campaign, returning from a knee injury to play every game after round 15 and booting four goals in the preliminary final against Greater Western Sydney.

Smith, who has fought his way back from three knee reconstructions, signed a one-year contract extension in May.