Western Bulldogs star Clay Smith’s heartache for lost mate

A CLOSE mate of Clay Smith who died just days before the Doggies battled for a place in this weekend’s Grand Final, was like a brother to the Western Bulldogs star, friends say.

Clay Smith, emotional on Saturday night. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

A CLOSE mate of Clay Smith who died just days before the Doggies battled for a place in this weekend’s Grand Final, was like a brother to the Western Bulldogs star, friends say.

Smith, who booted four goals to propel the Dogs into their first Grand Final for 55 years, dedicated the Bulldogs’ six-point preliminary final win over GWS Giants win to lost mate Dale “Daisy” Walkinshaw.

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

Smith said his friend would “never be forgotten” and remain forever in my heart” in a series of emotional posts on social media.

Caleb Daniel (left) and Clay Smith after the emotional win. Picture: Getty

An image posted on Facebook of Clay Smith with Dale Walkinshaw.

Smith revealed he believed his friend was helping him on the field on Saturday night.

“Words can’t describe the feeling of last night, But I know I had a best mate looking down and helping me through!,” he wrote on Instagram yesterday.

Friend Ryan Monaghan, from Bairnsdale, described Smith and Mr Walkinshaw as “very close”.

“They were pretty much like brothers, they did everything together growing up,” Mr Monaghan said.

“Clay was really strong to get through it all and play the way he did for Daisy.

“Most blokes wouldn’t want too leave their room, let alone stand on a ground and play footy after all that’s gone on — and he couldn’t have put on a better show for him (Walkinshaw).”

Mr Walkinshaw, from Lakes Entrance, recently moved to Darwin where he was employed as an apprentice carpenter.

The 23-year-old was driving on the Stuart Highway near Darwin in the early hours of September 16 when his car left the road and hit a tree.

Mr Walkinshaw died last Monday at the Royal Darwin Hospital, three days after an incident in the back of a police van when he was being transported to a police station after the accident.

NT Police are treating the incident as a death in police custody with a report to be prepared for the coroner.

Mr Walkinshaw’s death has led to renewed calls for the introduction of cameras in the back of NT Police cars.

Mr Walkinshaw’s funeral will take place at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Bairnsdale at 11am on Tuesday.

Smith is expected to take time off from the Doggies’ Grand Final preparations to attend the service.

For anyone seeking help contact Lifeline on 131 114.

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@AndyJeffo