THE WESTERN BULLDOGS have made another change to their list, delisting defender Roarke Smith.

However, they have committed to re-drafting Smith as a rookie, given his promising recovery from a second knee reconstruction in 18 months.  

Given Smith had spent the maximum three years as a rookie, Dogs had to either upgrade him to the senior list or delist him. 

Bulldogs list manager Jason McCartney said the club was keen to give Smith every opportunity to build on his two senior games. 

"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."

The 21-year-old was recruited by the Bulldogs at pick No.5 in the 2014 NAB AFL Rookie Draft, but has only managed a total of two senior games in three seasons.

The luckless defender has ruptured his ACL twice during his time at the Whitten Oval - once in August 2015, and again in the JLT Community Series in March this year.  

Smith is one of nine players to be cut from the Bulldogs list.

Check out all the retirements and delistings

Former skipper Bob Murphy, premiership defender Matthew Boyd and ex-Magpie Travis Cloke retired at the end of the 2017 season. 

Forward Jake Stringer was traded to Essendon, while Stewart Crameri, Declan Hamilton, Josh Prudden and Tristan Tweedie have been delisted. 

The Bulldogs acquired young key forward Josh Schache and defender Hayden Crozier during last month's NAB AFL Trade Period.

They also secured the services of free agent Jackson Trengove.