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Dogs delist injury-hit defender

Published by
Johaan Forbes-Anthony

The Western Bulldogs have delisted defender Roarke Smith after the 21-year old went through his second knee reconstruction in an 18-month period. 

White they have committed to re-drafted Smith, the club had to make a decision on his position on the list given he had spent the maximum three years at the club as a rookie. 

Western Bulldogs list manager Jason McCartney said the club was happen to give Smith another chance at senior level. 

"Roarke is a promising young player who has had terrible luck with injuries, and we are committed to seeing him return to the club because we believe he has a bright future," McCartney said.

"Roarke has been diligent with his rehab this season and we're all looking forward to seeing him get another chance to play senior football, which would be well deserved."

Taken at pick no.5 in the 2014 rookie draft, Smith has appeared in just two senior games across three seniors. 

The defender sat out the 2017 season after rupturing his ACL in the JLT Community Series in March this year and becomes the ninth player to depart from the Bulldogs this year.

Despite losing a host of key players after a disappointing season, the Bulldogs traded well with the assets they had, acquiring defender Hayden Crozier from Fremantle, Jackson Trengove from Port Adelaide while securing the services of young, unproven forward Josh Schache as the trade deadline expired. 

Published by
Johaan Forbes-Anthony