AFL: Western Bulldogs young gun Bailey Smith commits for two more years to continue club’s re-signing spree

The Bulldogs have ticked off another one of their re-signing targets as their successful season-long retention bid rages on.

Bailey Smith, who has re-signed for two years, is already a big name in just his fourth AFL season. Picture: Getty Images

Another one off the list.

Fast-rising midfielder Bailey Smith is the latest Western Bulldog to commit – for two more years – as the Western Bulldogs’ season-long re-signing rampage continues.

They started the year with the daunting task of locking away top free agents Jack Macrae, Bailey Dale and Caleb Daniel, as well as out-of-contract stars Tim English, Josh Dunkley, Smith and Alex Keath.

Only Dunkley, who is being linked with a move to Port Adelaide after previously requesting a trade to Essendon, is yet to sign a new deal among that group.

Unrestricted free agent and 2016 Norm Smith medallist Jason Johannisen is another Bulldog who hasn’t committed beyond this season, with his five-year extension set to expire.

Smith looms as a major part of the Bulldogs’ future but is already a key contributor, averaging 30 disposals, seven score involvements, six inside 50s and four clearances in 14 games this year.

Bailey Smith (right) is one of the most promising midfielders in the AFL. Picture: Mark Stewart

“I don’t want to be anywhere else. I am stoked to call this home for another two years,” Smith said.

“We have such strong bonds with the place – you can’t envision yourself doing anything else. The people in the club have stuck by me, I’ll be forever in debt to them.

“A massive goal of ours is sustained success ... (it will be) exciting the next couple of years to see what we can do.”

The 21-year-old, who was the No.7 pick in the talent-filled 2018 draft, is a rockstar off the field, with his large Instagram following already qualifying him for superstar status.

That intense spotlight early in Smith’s career has proven difficult at times, including him taking personal leave from the club late last year.

Smith also received a two-match ban in June for conduct unbecoming after admitting to taking cocaine in the period following incriminating vision emerging on social media.

Bailey Smith is a key part of the Bulldogs’ present and future. Picture: Getty Images

He said in a statement at the time of the suspension he was “deeply ashamed” of his behaviour, also revealing he “spiralled out of control” as his mental health “deteriorated” post the grand final.

But Smith’s on-field performance has been consistently excellent since he made his AFL debut in round 1, 2019 and he is now one of the most promising midfielders in the competition.

“It wasn’t even in question to go anywhere else, purely because the people here have helped form arguably the most important years of my life,” he said.

“From when I got here when I was 17 to now be 21 – the people who have supported me through thick and thin (mean a lot).

“All the amazing times I have had with my best mates; it was a major part of why I couldn’t go anywhere else.”