Clay Smith’s trademark tackling pressure and steely determination has continued to impress Western Bulldogs Development Coach Chris Maple this NAB Cup campaign.

Substituted on for the second half against Richmond on Saturday, the 19-year-old midfielder added a more hardened edge to the Bulldogs midfield stocks when the game was hotly contested.

“[Smith] played a really strong game of footy – some great tackles,” Maple said.

“The conditions [were] quite wet and slippery, Clay really cracked in hard at the ball [and] won some really good, strong contested ball efforts.”

Entering his second season at the Club, Smith’s NAB Cup campaign was highlighted by a standout performance in the Bulldogs winning side against Hawthorn where he boasted 16 disposals at 93.7% disposal efficiency, three clearances, two tackles and a super goal.

The Gippsland recruit was also the chief ball winner in the Bulldogs shortened clash against Collingwood in the round one triple header.

While Smith’s output on game day has been notable, Maple has been especially impressed with the teenager’s willingness to go above and beyond to improve his flaws.

“Throughout the summer, Clay has really improved his strength, his running ability and has worked really hard on his kicking,” he said.

“He has had a good NAB Cup series and we are looking forward to him having a real impact early on in the main season.”