Bailey Smith has recommitted to the Bulldogs, signing a new two-year deal to keep him at the club until at least the end of 2024.
A valuable part of the Bulldogs midfield, the 21-year-old has had an impressive 2022 season, averaging 30.3 disposals and 3.8 clearances per game. The young star has played 14 games in the red, white and blue this season, kicking five goals.
Smith has played 81 games for the Bulldogs since being drafted with pick 7 in the 2018 AFL draft, making his debut the following year, going on to feature consistently in Luke Beveridge's team.
Speaking to club media about his new deal, Smith said he was excited about remaining at the club for an additional two years.
โI donโt want to be anywhere else โ I am stoked to call this home for another two years,โ Smith said.
โWe have such strong bonds with the place โ you canโt envision yourself doing anything else. The people in the club have stuck by me, Iโll be forever in debt to them.โ
โThe fans are amazing, itโs why we play. Seeing them each weekend at Marvel or wherever we are playing, to hear their voices cheering us on and supporting us, that pushes us to another level."
โA massive goal of ours is sustained success. Certainly, see with the power of the list, itโs exciting the next couple of years to see what we can do.โ
โIt wasnโt even in question to go anywhere else, purely because the people here have helped form arguably the most important years of my life.
โFrom when I got here when I was 17 to now be 21 โ the people that have supported me through thick and thin. All the amazing times I have had with my best mates โ it was a major part of why I couldnโt go anywhere else.โ
The Bulldogs' general manager of list and recruiting, Sam Power, echoed Smith's sentiments, praising the young Dog's commitment to the club.
โWeโre really thrilled to have Bailey sign on for the next two seasons,โย heย said.
โBailey has established himself as a consistent performer for the football club and has become one of the most exciting young players within the competition.
โBailey has been firm on his commitment to the Western Bulldogs and is focused on the Club building sustained success, both on and off the field.
โAt only 21 years of age, we believe Bailey can still improve and he will leave no stone unturned to get the best out of himself and the team.
โOur members and supporters can look forward to cheering on our number six for years to come."
Smith joins teammates Bailey Dale, Caleb Daniel, Jack Macrae, Tim English, Buku Khamis, Mitch Hannan and Dom Bedendo, who extended their deals earlier this year, as yet another Dog to recommit to the kennel.
