Tributes to Clay Smith -you done us proud.

[bornadog]

From Clay to members

https://twitter.com/westernbulldogs/...92725195116544

[bulldogtragic]

2016 Finals Record:

4 Games
4 Wins (100% winning record)
1 Premiership

Liam Picken (Best In Finals Award) vs Clay Smith

8.0 ----- 8.1 - Total Scores
1 Goal Assist ----- 2 Total Goal Assists
3.0 clearances ----- 3.5 clearances average a final
3.5 tackles ------- 9.2 tackles average a final
5 contested marks ----- 3 Total Contested Marks
6 marks ----- 3 marks average a final
23.1 disposals ------ 18.5 disposals average a final
43 contested, 49 uncontested (-6) ------ 39 contested, 35 uncontested disposals total (+4)
5 X 1%'s ----- 6 X 1 %'s

That's one hell of a record to proudly look back upon in the years ahead. Arguably the second best in finals for the WBFC in a 4 game premiership campaign, not to mention key moments and crucial goals.

When the going got tough at the club and physically personally, these guys worked harder and longer and got tougher again. Others quit to go to the GWS. Smith showed the quitter in person what tougher, harder and longer was in a moment that handed us a huge prelim win. One was a true leader that night, the other a true ex-captain that couldn't do the hard things when it came to it. Not to mention Smith bled for this club in a way that others haven't. He will never have to buy a beer in a pub ever again if he's near a die hard members/fans that understand spiritually, physically and statistically how important, crucial even, he was in this premiership.

[westbulldog]

Many players are remembered for long and distinguished careers. Clay Smith will be remembered for a relatively short but no less distinguished career. A gracious young bloke who was as tough as nails and a committed bulldog as any. To overcome his adversity with injuries simply stamps his determination and quality as a person. He retires as a premiership player, a respected one at that. Best of luck for everything in your future Clay.

[bulldogtragic]

Many players are remembered for long and distinguished careers. Clay Smith will be remembered for a relatively short but no less distinguished career. A gracious young bloke who was as tough as nails and a committed bulldog as any. To overcome his adversity with injuries simply stamps his determination and quality as a person. He retires as a premiership player, a respected one at that. Best of luck for everything in your future Clay.

Footy history and our footy clubs history is littered with 150-250 game players that were very good long term players, but on the big stage of cut throat finals shit themselves under pressure (ie Gary Rohan). Clay can know that when pressure came a knocking, even when tragedy before the GWS game too, he played the best footy of his entire career in a campaign of four cut throat finals. I’d take that over 200 mediocre games and going missing in big finals. Clay’s career in games tally didn’t burn long, but it burned ever so bright when the games were do or die. And he did, and with his team mates left an achievement for the ages, and income for the club to get out of debt. Our history isn’t choc full of players who elevated their games in September, so he’s in rare company. Where he deserves to be.

[The Pie Man]

Are we surprised though?

I was a little last night - club I follow aside, thought it was a significant story.

Yet on Saturday Ch 7 didn’t bother with Bevo’s presser and trying to find an update on Naughton’s ankle was way harder than it should’ve been.

How quickly we became irrelevant again.

Deserved better Clay

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

I wasn't especially thrilled with his selection in the draft....but he won me over in spite of his awkward kicking style. His desire, intent and physical commitment on field were off the charts.
I'll never forget his level of play during the 2016 finals. As others have remarked here, he was a very large factor in getting that elusive flag, especially during the Hawks and GWS games.
I'd been hoping he could get over his knee ordeals and get back on field; we could sure use his unyielding commitment on field right now to light a beacon for others to follow.

Saddened by, but understand his decision to call it a day.
Thank-you for giving everything you had Clay.

[bornadog]

Now this is pressure:

Most tackles in a finals series


42 - Lenny Hayes - 2010
38 - CLAY SMITH - 2016
34 - Ryan O'Keefe - 2012
33 - Luke Parker - 2016
32 - Alan Toovey - 2010
30 - Jude Bolton - 2005

[bornadog]

Player tributes to Clay:

Read here

[Sedat]

I was a little last night - club I follow aside, thought it was a significant story.

Yet on Saturday Ch 7 didn’t bother with Bevo’s presser and trying to find an update on Naughton’s ankle was way harder than it should’ve been.

How quickly we became irrelevant again.

Deserved better Clay

He sure did. Footy Classified did a really nice tribute on him and Talking Footy gave a little one as well. But Fox Footy completely fresh-aired him on both 360 and On the Couch last night. The same Fox Footy that gave Dan Menzel his own prime time special.

It was complete and utter shit by Fox Footy.

[Remi Moses]

Far to busy asking one of the whinge twins loaded questions on Ablett’s selfishness.
Gerard asked Scott about Mooney commenting on him not being a team player .
Pretty predictable response

[angelopetraglia]

Clay will be on Bob's podcast "Freedom in a cage" ... should be a good listen. Out tomorrow morning.

[bornadog]

Clay will be on Bob's podcast "Freedom in a cage" ... should be a good listen. Out tomorrow morning.

Great a day early

[I'm Not Bitter Anymore!]

Very sad I was looking forward to him coming back

[bornadog]

Enjoy

[bornadog]

Al's Tribute