LUCKLESS Bulldog Clay Smith hopes his fortunes are changing for the better after getting through his first game of 2015 in the VFL.

The tough-as-teak 21-year-old has played just one AFL game in nearly two years after enduring a torrid run of injury and illness.

But he showed in Footscray's loss to the Box Hill Hawks on Saturday he's lost none of his ball-winning ability and trademark aggression to be the Bulldogs' best with 24 possessions.

"I went all right, I got a little bit of it (the ball) which is good, but it was mainly about getting through the game," Smith told AFL.com.au.

"I got limited game time, about 70 per cent, but I played most of each quarter and I got through unscathed, so I'm happy."

Around the state leagues: Key Pie hits form, Hawk hamstrung

Smith hasn't had much to smile about since he first ruptured the ACL in his right knee in round 16, 2013.

Since then he's contracted Salmonella poisoning, badly injured his shoulder and then needed a second reconstruction on his right knee in July last year.

Understandably, he was a little apprehensive before the game.

"I thought I wasn't going to have a good night's sleep but I slept really well," Smith said.

"I was up early and probably played the game through my head a few times because I was pretty nervous.

"But I was ready to go and I was pretty confident with it (knee)."

Those pre-match nerves weren't evident as Smith quickly went about his business, laying several bone-jarring bumps and tackles.

"I've been looking forward to that (body contact) for a little while now, because I've been taking it a little easy on the boys at training," Smith joked.

"That's how I play, I don't mind hitting a few bodies and laying a few tackles, so it was good to able to do that again."

While he's not getting carried away, Smith is confident he'll be making up lost ground by adding to his 31 career games sooner than later.

"I've had a few chats with the coach (Luke Beveridge) and I just need to get some match fitness," said Smith

"I want to play as a midfielder, that's where he wants me to play and that's where I see myself playing."