After 421 days out of the game, Clay Smith will make his long awaited return to senior football on Saturday afternoon at the SCG.

Smith hasn't played for the Dogs since round six last season when he injured his knee for the third time against St.Kilda at Etihad Stadium.

Smith has impressed in his two games for Footscray, averaging 31 disposals, five marks and seven tackles, assistant coach Steven King telling westernbulldogs.com.au that the 23-year-old has 'steamrolled' his way back into the side.

"It's great to have Clay back, he’s obviously steamrolled the door to get back in and in true Clay fashion, the way he attacks the ball and plays the game, he plays every game like it’s his last, King said.

"So for what he’s gone through, just the way he’s come back, the condition he’s in and his ferociousness at the ball and the contest, we couldn’t not pick him this week.

"We just think he’s ready."

While Smith's attack on the ball is as good as anyone in the AFL according to King, there's more to his game than the bullocking style that he is best known for.

"He’s got an aggressive streak, [and] he's really competitive but I think people over look his athletic gifts as well.

"His run and ability to cover ground is up there with anyone’s at the Club and he’s going to be pivotal to us getting an extra set of legs and a bit more grunt around the footy."