Smith firms to face Bombers, Darcy to miss weeks

A run of bizarre injuries has continued for a Western Bulldogs tall, as Bailey Smith is closing in on a return after an illness.

Bailey Smith will play this week against Essendon after recovering from the flu. Picture: Dylan Burns / Getty Images

Bailey Smith is expected to return for the Western Bulldogs on Friday night but young forward Sam Darcy will miss weeks after a “nasty” bleed in his thigh.

Smith missed the unsuccessful trip to Sydney after struggling with the flu in the previous game against the Magpies and the ensuing days, but the Bulldogs said he was “re-energised” and would prove his fitness at training ahead of a must-win clash against the Bombers.

It comes as speculation swirls over the 22-year-old’s future, with coach Luke Beveridge adamant last week he did not want Smith to leave the club despite issues with his form and playing out of position this season.

Darcy could miss up to five weeks due to the corky he suffered in the first quarter against the Swans, and will join concussed teammates James O’Donnell and Lachlan McNeil on the sidelines.

Western Bulldogs head physio Chris Bell said there was “extensive bleeding and swelling” in Darcy’s thigh which would require conservative management.

Smith was sent home from Bulldogs training last week with the flu and missed the Swans clash, but is expected to return on Friday night. Picture: Michael Willson / Getty Images

It comes after the 208cm father-son prospect missed weeks earlier in the year with a broken jaw, before he encountered breathing difficulties upon his return caused by a small hole in his lung, which he had to wait to heal.

“Sam Darcy has unfortunately continued to suffer some bad luck – in a marking contest at the end of the first quarter, he suffered a big blow to the outside part of his quad thigh muscle,” Bell said.

“As part of this injury you not only damage the muscle tissue but also break the blood vessels that carry blood around your thigh.

“From this significant corky, Sam has suffered extensive bleeding and swelling into his thigh and lower leg.

“We will manage Sam conservatively but do expect him to miss the next few games of footy.”

Bell said Smith would be monitored at training, but the Bulldogs expected him to be fit for the Essendon clash.

“He had a really quiet week last week while he recovered, but in some good news he has improved and is re-energised,” Bell said.

“He will be monitored through main training this week, but I am expecting him to return to availability.”

While O’Donnell was subbed out after suffering a concussion against the Swans, McNeil played out the game after a heavy first quarter collision but showed some “subtle” delayed symptoms, Bell said.

Forward Mitch Hannan will be available for selection if he completes the Bulldogs’ main training session on Wednesday, after a calf issue disrupted his season.

Jason Johannisen is closing in on a return from a severe hamstring injury after his bright start to 2023, with the dashing defender listed as one to two weeks away.

Originally published as Smith firms to face Bombers, Darcy to miss weeks