Western Bulldogs midfielder Clay Smith was typically best on ground with 36 disposals and five tackles on return from a third anterior cruciate ligament injury in Footscray's seven-point win over Geelong at Whitten Oval on Saturday.
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Smith, in his first match since rupturing the ACL in his right knee in round six against St Kilda last season, has had a history of dominating VFL matches on return from knee injuries.
He had 39 touches on return from his first ACL injury in 2014 – and followed that up with another 24-disposals best on ground display in 2015 on return from his second knee injury.
Of course, he hopes the concerning pattern that has followed those displays to stop – the dreaded ACL.
"I didn't want to moz him, but historically, he's always had an impact as soon as he's come back," Bulldogs VFL coach Ash Hansen said.
"I think it's a combination of our rehab staff, who have prepared him really well for his return."
"Clay himself, the way he's applied himself over the past year where it can be really devastating to go through the process again. But because he's known what he's had to do, he's been really diligent. I think for his contribution to be the way it was, was a great reflection on Clay," he said.
Hansen added: "I wouldn't have cared if he had five touches and just got through the game healthy, but to have that contribution certainly allowed us to win which I'm sure he'll be proud of."
Despite the 23-year-old's dominant performance, it is likely that he will be forced to wait to add to his 34 AFL match tally.
"He wasn't restricted game time wise, he was in our normal rotations," Hansen said.
"I think for Clay, a lot of it is about continuity and getting a lot of footy into him. With the AFL team going relatively well at the moment, obviously you have to wait for an opportunity but I don't think would want to rush Clay."
"But certainly he will be a week by week discussion on where he's at. He will obviously build up over the next few weeks and get some confidence in his game style and his role," he said.
On return from suspension, Lin Jong also pressed for a senior recall with 30 disposals.
"Obviously he's disappointed he's had to miss games through suspension, but obviously he's able to still train and he's carried over his form. It was really strong at VFL level which warranted AFL selection," Hansen said.
Hansen said Tom Boyd also showed some encouraging form in his second match back from a shoulder injury, despite not hitting the scoreboard.
"He didn't hit the scoreboard and I know that's where everyone is going to look at straight away, but I think he impacted the game in other areas. He took more marks this week and defensively, he was better," he said.
Jed Adcock and Lukas Webb (24 disposals) also added to the Dogs' impressive depth.
"Squads allow for team success at AFL level. We'll certainly be calling on all of these guys at some point in the back half of the year. That's what we do preach, is that you need a portfolio of performances at VFL level to gain selection. It's not like in the past where a one game performance has been rewarded," he said.
Geelong forward Mitch Clark got through unscathed in his second match on return from a calf injury with 16 disposals and a last-quarter goal. Sam Menegola impressed with 21 disposals.
