SCANS have revealed Western Bulldogs youngster Clay Smith needs a reconstruction on his right knee after injuring it on Sunday against Essendon.
The 20-year-old will have a traditional reconstruction this week and will miss the rest of this season and a portion of the 2014 fixture.
The Dogs feared the worst after the incident against the Bombers and will now be without their first round draft selection from 2011 for an extended period.
"Unfortunately Clay ruptured his ACL yesterday, we've had scans today which has confirmed that diagnosis," club medical services manager Andrew McKenzie told the club's website.
"He will have a traditional ACL repair later this week."
The Dogs could receive a boost this week for Saturday's clash against Hawthorn in Launceston with captain Matthew Boyd ahead of schedule in his recovery from a fractured cheekbone.
Boyd last played in round 14 and was predicted to miss three to four weeks.
"'Boydy' has seen the specialist last week and he was very happy with his progress," McKenzie said.
"He's given him the all clear to return to full training. We will see how he goes over the week."
Meanwhile, Easton Wood played in Williamstown's development side on Saturday after persistent and lengthy hamstring issues.
He got through three quarters and will up the ante this week.
Tom Young (concussion) and Nick Lower (ankle) suffered minor injuries in the VFL but are expected to be availablethis weekend while rookie Jack Redpath will miss two to three weeks with bone bruising in his knee.
