WESTERN Bulldogs midfielder Clay Smith has made a successful return from a third knee reconstruction in as many years with a starring performance in the VFL on Saturday.

Having not played since round six last season, the 23-year-old was in everything and the Whitten Oval faithful cheered every one of his game-high 36 disposals in Footscray's seven-point win over Geelong.

His trademark aggression was also on show with several bone-rattling tackles displaying full confidence in his right knee.

Played predominately in the midfield, Smith also looked dangerous in attack with his forward pressure a highlight.

Footscray coach Ash Hansen couldn't have been more impressed with the rugged midfielder's return first hit-out in over 12 months.

“Clay’s contribution today was just outstanding for a guy that’s missed so much football,” Hansen told the club's website.

 “All we wanted was for him to able to fit in and that would be a success and he was certainly more than a success, he was a really strong contributor right to the very end.’

With knee injuries restricting him to just 34 games in five seasons at the Dogs, the 2011 first round pick is likely to spend another month with Footscray before he considered for a senior game.

Luke Dahlhaus picked up a leg injury in the Dogs' thrilling win over Port Adelaide and is certain to miss next Saturday night's clash with Geelong at Etihad Stadium.  Midfielders Lin Jong (29 possessions) and Lukas Webb (24) loom as replacements for the star playmaker.

Key forward Tom Boyd did well in his second game back from a shoulder injury by competing well in the ruck and around the ground in the blustery conditions.

The 20-year-old didn't kick a goal, but took some strong contested marks in the second half.

Developing key defenders Kieran Collins and Zaine Cordy also had a good afternoon, keeping the Cats' twin towers of Mitch Clark and Nathan Vardy to one goal each.