Western Bulldogs forward Clay Smith believes the Bulldogs are capable of recapturing their best form as they embark on the 2018 season.

“There’s a nice, positive vibe,” Smith told westernbulldogs.com.au.

“Everyone’s come back and has got that hunger to get back into finals and playing some good footy again.”

In his sixth season at VU Whitten Oval, Clay Smith notched his 50th game in 2017. The match was a significant milestone given the 24-year-old has suffered three knee reconstructions during his playing career.

“It was a long wait, I had 30 (games played) in my first two years and 20 (games) in the next four (years). It was nice to hit that first milestone, it’s something I really want to build on now,” he said.

Smith signed a one year contract extension in May, buoyed by opportunity to get the best of out every game he plays.

“It’ll be pretty much one year (contracts) for a little while with my injury history and everything.

“It’s a good thing though, it keeps me on my toes and makes me train to the best of my ability and try to earn another contract.

“I guess it’s going out there with that freedom and just enjoying every game because I’ve had a few setbacks. It’s more about enjoyment and playing the best footy I can.”

Smith wed his partner, Sarah, in the off-season and is enjoying married life.

“I haven’t got the ring on at the moment, she’ll kill me!”, he laughed.

“It was unreal. The day went pretty much perfectly – we had good weather and then we shipped off to Mexico for a few weeks and LA for a few days.”

Smith has adopted his wife’s surname initially on Instagram but is hoping to make the change official.

“It’s not official yet, but it will be,” Smith said.

“It’s more something I’ve taken on for Sarah’s side of the family. There were two girls and no more O’donohue's. It meant a lot to her and her family.

“I don’t know if I’ll change it for footy but legally we’ll both have hyphenated names and so will the kids.”