Clay Smith is on the verge of a match play return this weekend, with the hard-edged midfielder cleared to play by the Club’s medical staff.

After completing a lengthy rehabilitation following a third knee reconstruction, the 23-year-old is set to return to the field for the first time since round six last season.

It is expected Smith will return through the VFL for the Footscray Bulldogs on Saturday against Geelong.

Meanwhile, fellow ACL victim Roarke Smith has been cleared to return to full training, with a return to play not too far away either.

Speaking to westernbulldogs.com.au, General Manager Football Graham Lowe said he was pleased that both players had hit these key milestones in their recovery.



“Both those two have been working hard for an extended period of time, in terms of their recovery from their ACL injuries,” Lowe said

“It’s great to welcome Clay back, and have Roarke really close as well.”

While the news is good for the Smiths, acting skipper Easton Wood will have to sit out Saturday’s clash with Port Adelaide after incurring a minor hamstring strain in the lead up to Sunday’s win over West Coast.



“Woody got a low grade hamstring injury at training on Saturday, he won’t be available to play this weekend,” Lowe told BulldogsTV.



“We’re going to assess him next week with a view to his availability for round 13.”

Toby McLean is set for a lengthy stint on the sidelines, after scans today confirmed a mid footy injury.

“Toby has a right mid foot sprain that he got during the AFL game,” Lowe said.

“We’re going to manage him conservatively, [and] he’s going to be in a moon boot for three to four weeks.”



Lowe indicated McLean’s return to play date would be assessed once he has come out of the boot.

Meanwhile in VFL action at the weekend, Nathan Hrovat sustained a high grade AC joint injury in his right shoulder and also has a sideline stint ahead of him.

Lowe indicated a rehabilitation program would be determined for him following a specialist consultation.



“We’re seeking a specialist opinion, and subject to that opinion we’ll confirm whether he’ll require surgical intervention. “