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

Smith, who signed a one-year contract extension with the Club in May, played eight games for the season. In his most dominant display, he put together an impressive four goal-haul against the Tigers in Round 7. 

A calf injury following the Round 9 loss to Geelong sidelined Smith for three weeks. He came back through the VFL, playing three matches, and was eventually recalled in Round 16 and again in Round 20 before returning to the VFL for the remainder of the season. 

Stat that mattered:

Smith kicked four goals in Round 7 and was a catalyst to the Bulldogs’ second half revival against the Tigers.

What they said:

“It was awesome to get another year (contract extension). I think my work down forward was a bit better and I was able to get on the end of a few goals this year.

“The Richmond game, Bevo put it on me at half time that I wasn’t going as well as I should’ve been. I ended up coming out and kicking four and we got over the line and that was just a game that showed me that I can do it up forward.

“Hopefully I can get my fitness and strength back and the peak of its powers to come back and have a really good crack at next year.”

- Clay Smith, September 2017.