bornadog
24-09-2015, 05:29 PM
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Western Bulldogs defender Roarke Smith has this week signed a one-year rookie contract, keeping him on the Club’s rookie list to the end of 2016.
Smith was recruited to the Bulldogs in the 2015 AFL Rookie Draft with pick number five overall from the Calder Cannons and impressed with his vertical leap and athleticism.
The 19-year-old made his AFL debut in round 21 against West Coast, after being upgraded to the Club’s senior list.
Smith spoke positively about his rapid development from rookie to AFL debutant, and his first season as a Bulldog.
“I didn’t think I’d be here today from where I started last year, it’s been a huge step and it’s been such a good year.
“I couldn’t have come to a better club at a better time.”
In a disappointing end to the year, Smith suffered a torn ACL in the final round of the VFL season and has since undergone a knee reconstruction.
Smith’s contract extension despite his injury highlights the defender’s promise and faith the Club has in the talented defender.
Bulldogs List Manager Jason McCartney said Smith’s extension was reward for hard work in his first season of senior football.
“Roarke has shown rapid development in his first year in the AFL system,” McCartney said.
“He’s a terrific young man and we look forward to him returning from his rehabilitation in 2016 to further build on the foundations he’s laid this year.”
Western Bulldogs defender Roarke Smith has this week signed a one-year rookie contract, keeping him on the Club’s rookie list to the end of 2016.
Smith was recruited to the Bulldogs in the 2015 AFL Rookie Draft with pick number five overall from the Calder Cannons and impressed with his vertical leap and athleticism.
The 19-year-old made his AFL debut in round 21 against West Coast, after being upgraded to the Club’s senior list.
Smith spoke positively about his rapid development from rookie to AFL debutant, and his first season as a Bulldog.
“I didn’t think I’d be here today from where I started last year, it’s been a huge step and it’s been such a good year.
“I couldn’t have come to a better club at a better time.”
In a disappointing end to the year, Smith suffered a torn ACL in the final round of the VFL season and has since undergone a knee reconstruction.
Smith’s contract extension despite his injury highlights the defender’s promise and faith the Club has in the talented defender.
Bulldogs List Manager Jason McCartney said Smith’s extension was reward for hard work in his first season of senior football.
“Roarke has shown rapid development in his first year in the AFL system,” McCartney said.
“He’s a terrific young man and we look forward to him returning from his rehabilitation in 2016 to further build on the foundations he’s laid this year.”