Premiership Bulldog Clay Smith has announced his retirement, after a long-term knee injury forced the star forward to hang up the boots.
Smith's right knee, which had been reconstructed three times since his 2012 debut, prevented him from playing a game this season. He only managed to play eight games since the Bulldogs' premiership win in 2016. Smith spoke on westernbulldogs.com.au about his difficult decision to retire after he tried to return to football this year. "It was a very difficult decision for me to retire at my age, but the right one to make, given my knee hasn't been able to fully recover," Smith said. "I've given everything to try to make it back this season, but unfortunately it hasn't worked out the way I would've liked. "I want to thank everyone at the Western Bulldogs for their support over my career, and especially the medical staff, physios and strength and rehab staff for their care and professionalism. "It's been a difficult road for me, but I was able to experience being in the premiership team and I wouldn't swap that for anything. "I've also met some great people, made some incredible friendships, and I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to play AFL football. "While life without footy will leave a big hole in my life, it has shaped me as a person and helped me grow and I'm thankful for that." Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge described Smith as "inspirational to watch" during his tough recovery period. "It has been an emotional time for all of us because Clay is such an admired and loved person around the place, and it's sad his career has come to an end at just 25 years of age," Beveridge said. "He should be so proud of what he did to overcome all of his challenges, and content that he will always be a Western Bulldogs premiership player. "We will miss him dearly when he leaves the building, but we will always be connected." The 25-year-old played 55 games and kicked 43 goals for the Bulldogs, after he was recruited in the 2011 national draft at pick 17.
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