Western Bulldogs youngster Clay Smith will undergo a knee reconstruction, sidelining him until well into next year’s AFL season.

The 20-year-old midfielder hurt his right knee late in Sunday’s loss to Essendon at Etihad Stadium.

Scans have confirmed a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament.

The Bulldogs said on their website that Smith will have a traditional reconstruction, putting him out of action for up to a year.

Smith has played 30 senior games since his debut last season.