Clay Smith is one of five big inclusions to the Western Bulldogs line-up to face Adelaide on Sunday at Etihad Stadium.

Smith, who enjoyed a smooth return to competitive football for Footscray in the VFL last weekend, will return to the senior side for his first game since round 10 2014, following his second knee reconstruction.

Smith’s aggression and attack on the football stood out in Footscray’s round one loss, and will complement the Bulldogs’ high-tackle game.

VIDEO: Watch highlights of Clay Smith's VFL return against Box Hill.

Smith joins Bailey Dale, Marcus Bontempelli, Matthew Boyd and Easton Wood as inclusions in the round four side.

Dale, the 45th pick in the 2014 NAB AFL National Draft, has been named on an extended bench and could get the chance to debut on Sunday.

The 18-year-old has impressed with his goal nous and disposal efficiency, kicking five goals earlier this year in a VFL practice match.

The Dogs will welcome back Bontempelli, Boyd and Wood into the side, with all three returning after a one week break with minor injuries.

Bontempelli and Boyd will be welcome inclusions after averaging 24 and 29 disposals respectively, in the first two rounds.

Their defensive pressure will also be a valuable asset as the number one and two tackling sides in the competition come up against each other.

Dogs assistant coach Daniel Giansiracusa said the Dogs would need to continue that tackling form if they are to compete on Sunday.

“They’re doing things well in all facets of the game… it’s going to be a huge challenge for us.”

“(Tackling) is something we pride ourselves on and I’m sure they do as well so it will be a fierce contest under the roof at Etihad back on our home deck, and if we can get them on their heels and put them under a lot of pressure I think it will go a long way to us winning the game.”

Wood will add stability to the Dogs’ defence after losing Dale Morris to injury on the weekend.

He will join a backline tasked with stopping Crows’ captain Taylor Walker, and Giansiracusa said it would require a team effort to curb his influence.

“As the way we play is all about team defence and the system that we play.

“Obviously Roughie and Tals are going to be matched against him for most of the day but they’re going to need a lot of support.”

Mitch Wallis (back) and Morris are the only two to come out of the side from last week, as the Dogs’ have named an extended bench for the Sunday game.

ROUND 4 - Western Bulldogs vs Adelaide Crows
Sunday 26 April 2015, 4:40pm
Venue: Etihad Stadium
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In: M Boyd, E Wood, C Smith, M Bontempelli, B Dale

Out: D Morris (pectoral), M Wallis (back)

New: B Dale (Dandenong Stingrays - TAC Cup)