Clay Smith dedicates Western Bulldogs preliminary final win to lost mate

UNLIKELY hero Clay Smith fought back from three knee reconstructions and the death of a close friend last week to launch the Bulldogs into a historic Grand Final.

Clay Smith celebrates.

UNLIKELY hero Clay Smith fought back from three knee reconstructions and the death of a close friend last week to launch the Bulldogs into a historic Grand Final.

Smith, known for his tackling and ability to win hard balls at the bottom of packs, became the Bulldogs’ surprise first-half focal point, booting four goals.

MATCH REPORT: INCREDIBLE DOGS INTO GRAND FINAL

He also had a big hand in crucial goals in the third and final quarters as the Bulldogs reached their first Grand Final since 1961.

“It’s unbelievable, mate,” he told Channel 7 after the game. “We were written off probably at the start of the finals series, going over there (to Subiaco to play West Coast).

“We’ve just overcome so much. I lost one of my best mates on Monday during the week, so this game’s for Daisy and I f---ing love him.

An emotional Clay Smith after the siren.

Smith had surgery to repair his right anterior cruciate ligament in 2013 then wrecked it again in 2014 while making his comeback in the VFL and again in 2015 when his knee buckled against St Kilda in his third senior match since making his comeback from injury.

He fought his way into the senior side in Round 15 this year and has played every game since, logging 10 games in a row for the first time in three years.

“Footy does wonders. I’ve been through some dark times but it’s all worth it. We’re going to a Grand Final next week.”

Smith, who has kicked goals in each of the Bulldogs’ three finals wins, paid tribute to his teammates, his “unreal” coach Luke Beveridge and everyone at the club.

“We’ve got 22 absolute rippers out there who play for each other.”

Clay Smith celebrates one of his four goals in the preliminary final

Originally published as Clay Smith dedicates Western Bulldogs preliminary final win to lost mate