AFL 2021: Bailey Smith returns to Western Bulldogs training after mental health break

Bailey Smith returned to the club just days after it emerged he was taking a break for personal reasons. And the club will give the star with more time off if required.

Western Bulldogs’ star midfielder Bailey Smith has returned to training after a mental health break.

The club backed Smith to take some time away from the club to deal with some personal issues before making his comeback to the kennel this week.

Smith, who is one of the game’s best young players and a cult figure off the field, has been open about his mental health challenges.

His soaring popularity has intensified the spotlight on the blistering midfielder who starred in this year’s finals series and has the biggest Instagram following (355,000 followers) in the game.

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Bailey Smith returned to Bulldogs training. Picture: Western Bulldogs

The club has thrown its full support behind the man who turned 21 earlier this month and will provide him more time off if it is required.

Smith has said he is a perfectionist whose dedication to his training regime and diet is renowned across the league.

Western Bulldogs would not comment on his return to training this week, but posted photos of the star ballwinner in action out on the track on Wednesday.

Smith remains in elite physical condition and will be one of the main drivers in one of the best midfield brigades in the competition next year.

Smith has played in every game across his first three seasons in the competition and is an $81 chance for next year’s Brownlow Medal.

Bulldogs’ football manager Chris Grant said last week Smith needed some time away.

There were no concerns it would impact his preparation for the new season.

Smith took a mental health break from the club. Picture: Gary Day/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“We remain in close contact with Bailey, and we respect and understand his need to spend some time away from the club at the moment,” Grant said.

“With such a short training block before the Christmas break for the AFL squad; we are comfortable to afford Bailey the time he needs.

“We’ll support him throughout, and he’ll return when he is ready.

“Bailey has maintained an extremely high level of physical conditioning throughout his entire career, and we’re looking forward to reintegrating him into the program at the appropriate time.”

Western Bulldogs copped a 74-point hiding in the Grand Final as Melbourne stormed home in the second half to a drought-breaking premiership.

The Dogs and Demons will open the new season when they lock horns in the first game of the 2022 campaign on Wednesday, March 16 under lights at the MCG.