Young Western Bulldogs defender Roarke Smith has been dealt a blow, with scans confirming a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.

Smith injured his knee for Footscray in the VFL on Sunday and will undergo a traditional knee reconstruction.

Bulldogs General Manager of Football Graham Lowe confirmed the news on Monday.

“Roarke had a knee injury that’s certainly disappointing for the young man.

“We had him assessed today, further assessment (confirms) he has ruptured his ACL so he’ll be getting a traditional knee reconstruction.”

Smith was upgraded from the Club’s rookie list last week, making his AFL debut against West Coast in round 21.

“We’ll put everything we can around him to support him and make sure we get him right as quickly as we can.

“Roarke’s a good young fellow and he’s certainly showed his wares through the opportunity to play last week so we’ll make sure we get everything right, he’s certainly coping with it really well.”

The AFL side came through their match against North Melbourne with no major concerns, with several players a possibility to return this weekend.

Nathan Hrovat and Michael Talia both missed the weekend’s matches with ankle injuries, but both had progressed well.

“Both Michael and Nathan are certainly progressing well from their ankle injuries that kept them out on the weekend just gone.

“We’ve got some training for them to get through this week, they’ve got a few boxes they need to tick, to make themselves available for this weekend.”

Ruckman Tom Campbell will be available for selection, after a thigh injury kept him out of action for a week.

“Tom’s come in well from the weekend, he’s presented well today and he’ll be available for selection this weekend.”

Defender Josh Prudden had moved well through his rehab, and looks likely to return after one more week.

“Josh has progressed well through his hamstring rehabilitation. He won’t be available this weekend but certainly everything going to plan he’ll be available for selection next weekend.”