Clay Smith looks set to return to football through the VFL this weekend after almost 12 months on the sidelines.
Smith, who will return after his second knee reconstruction, has impressed in his rehabilitation since injuring his knee for the second time in 2014.
Western Bulldogs General Manager of Football Graham Lowe said Smith had applied himself throughout the rehab process.
“Clay’s progressed really well with his rehab and he’s made himself available through a lot of hard work and dedicated to get back into some game time, so we’ll progress him in the appropriate way and start building his game time up.”
Smith could be joined by off-season recruit Shane Biggs who has recovered from a hamstring injury, and could also return through the VFL.
“Shane’s available to start to build some game time so we’re pleased to have him back in that space.”
Caleb Daniel has commenced rehab after knee surgery and will continue to build up his fitness.
“Surgery went well… he’s also progressed back into his rehab and he’s started to build up load and volume in the appropriate ways,” Lowe told BulldogsTV.
“We’re pleased to see how he’s presented himself back after surgery so he’s certainly on track for our expectations of his return.”
Fellow draftee Zaine Cordy is ahead of schedule in his return from a shoulder injury.
“Zaine’s progressed back into training, obviously no contact at this point, but it’s great to have him back out on the track and he’s progressing well and ahead of schedule.”
