Western Bulldogs young gun Bailey Smith re-signs until end of 2022
Western Bulldogs young gun Bailey Smith has signed a new deal to remain at Whitten Oval and after playing every game in 2019, has his sights set on an even bigger 2020, which includes team success.
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Western Bulldogs young gun Bailey Smith has his sights set on helping build a special 2020 season for the club after signing a new two-year deal.
The Bulldogs have locked away the emerging young gun, who finished fourth in this year’s Rising Star award, until the end of 2022.
19-year-old Smith had a big impact in his debut season, playing every game including the Bulldogs’ elimination final loss to Greater Western Sydney but he has his sights set on the ultimate prize next year.
“That’s something (playing every game) I take in my stride. I didn’t probably set out to do that, I just wanted to get a couple of games early but knowing I was able to do that certainly gives me lots of confidence,” Smith said.
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“But I feel like I’ve got a lot more room for improvement, which I’m excited about exploring in 2020.
“(I want to) just try and play as many games as possible again and improve each week, have higher expectations and really hopefully go deep into finals and try and do something special there.”
The Bulldogs have embarked on a three-day pre-season training camp on the Mornington Peninsula as they ramp up preparations for 2020.
Players have been put through a series of different sessions, including beach activities, cycling and kayaking.
“They’ve been tough, good though,” Smith said.
“It’s been a really good bonding experience for the draftees and new players coming in as well.
“The bonds you form, I remember looking back at last year, the friendships and relationships you form now is so important especially when it comes on-field it actually plays a big role in how we perform as a team, our friendships and our connections.”
Smith has credited former captain Easton Wood and fellow midfielder Tom Liberatore for helping him transition into like as an AFL footballer.
“Easton Wood has been a big one, I lived with him for a bit. He showed me the ropes with his routines, the way he goes about it and switches off outside of footy,” he said.
“Libba as well has been really important in terms of learning to switch off and not put too much pressure on yourself and stress the big things. He’s been a big one for me.”
Smith’s signature means the Bulldogs have locked away another of their exciting young talents after Aaron Naughton signed a long-term deal until the end of 2024 earlier this year, while Caleb Daniel and Josh Dunkley have also re-signed until the end of 2022.
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New captain Marcus Bontempelli is signed until the end of 2021, while vice-captain Lachie Hunter is locked away until 2024.
“Just rapt to be at home for another two years with the boys. I’m very excited to get to stay with this group, I feel like we’ve got something really special building,” Smith said.
“It’s been surreal. A privilege that I got to experience (AFL footy) but it’s been a big learning experience being able to play with players like Bont, Dunks, Macrae, Hunt, it’s just been a privilege and I’ve learnt so much and I’ve grown both as a player and as a person.”