Bailey Smith suffers ACL injury and will be sidelined for 12 months

The Western Bulldogs have been dealt a devastating injury blow at one of their last training sessions for 2023.

The Western Bulldogs have confirmed devastating news for superstar Bailey Smith, who suffered an ACL injury at training on Wednesday and is set to miss the entire 2024 season.

Smith, 23, who is out of contract at the end of next year and has been linked to a move away from the Bulldogs, left the track midway through the session, with scans confirming the extent of the injury to his knee.

“We’re all extremely disappointed for Bailey, and empathise with him greatly,” Bulldogs executive director of football Chris Grant said.

“The entire club will rally around him during this difficult time as he begins his rehab journey.”

We can confirm that Bailey Smith has suffered an ACL injury during today's training.

We are devastated by the news and know the whole club will be behind Baz through his rehab journey and beyond 🫶🏻

Details: https://t.co/xQnOiYebqIpic.twitter.com/lJkG2gJ6pX

— Western Bulldogs (@westernbulldogs) December 13, 2023

Smith struggled to find his best form in 2023 and has long battled mental health issues during his 103-game career.

But he looked set for a big pre-season when he was first across the line in the club’s 2km time trial late last month before heading on a training trip to New York in the off-season with Collingwood star Nick Daicos that fuelled rumours of a possible switch to the Magpies.

Nick Daicos training with Bailey Smith in New York #AFLpic.twitter.com/0oNv9x8EXl

— FlysPies (@piescontent) November 10, 2023

He’s been a recruiting target for clubs including Geelong and Hawthorn and speculation was rife during the recent trade period that he’d be on the move at the end of 2024.

Two other clubs, including Collingwood, are believed to be in a pursuit of Smith, with this injury setback certain to impact all potential suitors.

Despite the disappointment of losing a player of Smith’s calibre, the Bulldogs, who missed the finals in 2023, have a ready-made replacement after recruiting Melbourne premiership player James Harmes during the trade period.

Originally published as Bailey Smith suffers ACL injury and will be sidelined for 12 months