LUCKLESS Western Bulldogs midfielder Clay Smith has resumed skills training for the first time since rupturing the ACL in his right knee last year. 

It has been a challenging 18 months of injury setbacks for Smith, since he first ruptured the ligament in July 2013.

After an interruption-free rehabilitation following a traditional reconstruction, his comeback stalled in April last year when he contracted salmonella poisoning.

Then, in his first senior game since the reconstruction, Smith injured the AC joint in his shoulder.

Two months later in the VFL, the midfielder twisted his knee awkwardly, rupturing the ACL in his right knee again.

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Smith began running for the first time in November last year, progressed to high-end speed training and has now commenced straight-line football skills.

The 21-year-old also finished fourth in the Bulldogs' recent 2km time trial and is expected to start controlled football training in early February.

"Clay has embraced the physical and mental challenges of being in long-term rehab, and continues to attack each day with enthusiasm and ferocity," Chris Bell, Bulldogs head physiotherapist, told the club's website.

"He has been incredibly diligent, focused and enthusiastic towards his rehabilitation.

"Clay continues to absolutely apply himself to every aspect of his rehab, always pushing the boundaries or his training restrictions and striving for excellence in the gym and on the track."

Smith told AFL.com.au in November last year he was hopeful of returning to competitive football in mid-2015.