The Western Bulldogs have elevated defender Roarke Smith onto the Club’s primary list as the mid-season rookie upgrade under AFL guidelines.
Smith will be eligible to play for the remainder of the season, regardless of how many players are on the Club’s senior list.
The 19-year-old Smith was recruited to the Kennel with pick five overall in the 2014 NAB AFL Rookie Draft from the Calder Cannons and made his AFL debut against the West Coast Eagles in round 21 last season.
He injured his knee in the final game of the VFL home and away season in 2015 before returning to the VFL side in round 13 this year.
“He’s done everything right, Roarkey,” assistant coach Steven King said on Thursday.
“His rehab has gone to plan and it’s been a credit to him the way he’s been able to dedicate himself to getting his body back before the season’s finished.
“It’s great reward for what he’s done at VFL level and the volume of work he’s put in over the last year.”
Smith has averaged 12 disposals, four marks and three tackles across half back this season for Footscray.
