Clay Smith knows better than most how luck can shape a footballer’s life.
The Western Bulldogs midfielder, who has endured three reconstructions on his right knee in three years, played his third game on Saturday night since returning from his latest injury lay-off.
True to his recent run of luck, the 23-year-old managed to hit the post on three occasions and had a possible goal of the week nomination disallowed in the 48-point win over Gold Coast.
It didn’t shake the resilient Dog, who finished with 3.4 from 17 possessions to be one of their best.
“The first poster was shocking, I should have nailed that. I thought the other two might have swung back in," Smith told AFL.com.au.
"The one I got called for running too far was a case of, if I had a bounce, I would have got caught.
"I'm sure I'll get the luck of the draw in the next few weeks."
Having such an optimistic outlook on life was pivotal in Smith’s ability to fight back from adversity and overcome years of rehabilitation, and now has him regarded as an important part of the finals-bound Bulldogs.
"Clay's as hard as anyone at the footy and any opponent in the comp," coach Luke Beveridge said.
Smith has mixed his work up between the forward line and the midfield in his past three games.
"It's the defensive side of game, I think the opposition hear him coming and he's going to be important for us,” Beveridge said.
"He's done some special things since he's come into the side."
While the Gippsland product will never shy away from attacking the contest at 100 miles an hour, he's more aware then most at how quickly things can turn.
But Smith is subscribing to the old theory – 'the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have.'
"My last recovery period was 13 months and it was the longest out of the three injuries and I've come back feeling really confident," Smith said.
"I ended up having a quad graft this time to repair my knee and the doctors believe this will be the strongest one yet, but if it goes again that's pretty much the (end of my career).
"But as soon as I step on the ground I don't think about my knee at all, I have complete confidence in it.
"'Bevo' is pretty happy with playing down forward with my tackling and pressure, but I'll play more in the midfield as I find my feet.
"It's just good to get some continuity."
That stability in his footy is yet to see Smith play in a losing side this season, but he's not about to tempt fate and declare himself a lucky charm.
"I've told the boys we've won three in a row since I've been in the side," Smith joked.
"And I'll need to remind 'Bevo' too if he's thinking of dropping of me."
