Bailey Smith discusses reasons behind Western Bulldogs exit

Bailey Smith has dropped some surprise confessions about the Western Bulldogs and the reasons behind his looming trade.

Considering his off-field pursuits and social media presence, it comes as a shock when soon-to-be-former Western Bulldog Bailey Smith says he “could resent all the headlines” he generates.

The 23-year-old is a walking headline, starting with those flowing blond locks, high-profile friends and a rig he shows off seemingly at every opportunity.

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He also showed steady improvement on the field after making his debut in 2019, developing into a key member of a Dogs side that made it to the 2021 AFL Grand Final, falling short against the Demons.

From that point on, however, Smith has made more headlines for his off-field actions than anything he has achieved in a Bulldog uniform.

A white powder scandal and subsequent suspension, modelling, constant Instagram posts — roughly half of them with his shirt off — have all brought the popular youngster as much notoriety as any kick or handball.

Bailey Smith has been rehabbing his knee in 2024. Picture: David Crosling

Sidelined throughout 2024 after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in December, Smith was interviewed at the annual EJ Whitten Grand Final Legends Lunch and made some surprise remarks about all that publicity and his approach to footy.

“I could sort of resent all the headlines I’ve had, all the not so good stuff I’ve done, or the pressure that comes with the way you have to look,” he said.

“All that sort of s**t, but it’s also made me learn to value less superficial stuff. The whole AFL player image stuff and just learn to love the game.

“I just go for a kick during the week and just learn to love footy at its barest.

“I kick the footy with my dad and try to fall in love with the game again because I did fall out of love with it for a bit.

“And it’s taken an injury to really, really love it and miss it again because it can get clouded by everything that’s happening.”

To be fair, it’s hard to blame him for getting the rig out regularly. Photos: Sam D'Agostino/Instagram

Smith says he still has a lot of love for the Bulldogs. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The biggest controversy to surround Smith in recent months, of course, has been his proposed move away from Whitten Oval.

Rumblings he was unhappy and keen on a new club built across the season until he formally lodged a trade request in early September.

It is widely expected he will end up at Geelong, although Collingwood and the Hawks are also understood to be interested in the tough, ball-winning midfielder.

He feels he needs a new environment in order to reach his full potential.

“I still love the club, that’s what people forget,” Smith said.

“But there’s a level of when you outgrow a place, or you just need a fresh change for whatever reason.

“I still love them, they’re still my mates. I won’t get too deep into it.

“I feel like I’d be doing myself a disservice for the player I want to become and the person I want to become by staying in the same environment, but we’ll see.”

Geelong is widely expected to be Smith’s next destination. Pic: Michael Klein

Pick No. 7 back in the 2018 AFL Draft, Smith played 23 matches in his rookie year and increased his output each season, averaging superb numbers of 33 disposals, 4.5 tackles and just over five marks per game in 2022.

His numbers dipped for the first time in his young career in 2023 and Smith does seem intent on reminding people footy comes first when he gets back on the park in 2025.

“I’ve probably struggled with (the attention) because first and foremost, I love football and that’s what I want to be known for,” he said.

“And people see all the s**t I put out on Instagram and all that stuff, that’s the one thing that does get me up in the morning and makes me tick is the game itself and training.

“That’s my mission in the next 10-12 years is to really leave my legacy … that’s getting a bit too deep, but to be more football oriented than all the stuff that’s been thrown up so far.”

It is expected Smith will get a fresh start with the Cats if the two clubs can agree on a deal at the looming Trade Period.

Originally published as Bailey Smith discusses reasons behind Western Bulldogs exit