THE WESTERN Bulldogs have shown their faith in young midfielder Clay Smith, signing the 21-year-old for another two years.
The contract extension will see Smith remain at the club until the end of 2016.
Smith was drafted to the Bulldogs with pick No.17 in the 2011 NAB AFL Draft and showed promise in his debut season with 16 senior games.
It's been a tough 12 months for the midfielder who ruptured his ACL last year.
The youngster has only played one senior game this season after being struck down by salmonella poisoning and then a shoulder injury.
But Smith's diligence in his rehabilitation and his determination has earned the respect of his coaches and teammates, prompting the club to reward him with a new deal.
“We feel we are forming a core group of young players with desirable and sound qualities and Clay signing a contract extension is another step in the right direction for our Club,” Bulldogs' list manager Jason McCartney said.
“Clay is a ruthless competitor who works extremely hard at his game, and we look forward to him having a long career with us.”
The Bulldogs have a number of out-of-contract players on their list who at season's end will become free agents
They include the likes of midfielder Matthew Boyd, Tom Williams, Shaun Higgins and veteran defender Dale Morris.
