Western Bulldogs star Bailey Smith has almost certainly been ruled out of the 2024 AFL season after suffering an ACL tear in preseason training.
The Dogs released a statement confirming the injury on Wednesday afternoon after Smith left training in the morning, with subsequent scans confirming the worst.
ACL tears typically rule players out for nine months minimum, meaning the player would have an outside chance to make it back onto the field in 2024, though they can often take a full year’s worth of rehabilitation.
“We’re all extremely disappointed for Bailey, and empathise with him greatly,” said Western Bulldogs director of football Chris Grant via a statement.
“The entire Club will rally around him during this difficult time, as he begins his rehab journey.”
Smith is out of contract at the end of 2024 and has been the subject of speculation about a move away from the Bulldogs.
Hawthorn and Geelong have been most strongly linked to the midfielder, who endured a tough run of form midway through 2023.
It sparked fierce external criticism and a strong defence from Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge.
Smith had struggled to break into a star-studded midfield boasting prolific ball-winners Marcus Bontempelli, Tom Liberatore, Adam Treloar and Jack Macrae.
Smith recently linked up with Collingwood star Nick Daicos in the United States and is one of the most marketable figures in the AFL, boasting an Instagram following of more than 340,000.
He has a strong connection to younger fans, having previously spoken about his mental health battles in the spotlight.
With AAP
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
If it’s any consolation, he still has the coolest haircut in the AFL.
Pumping Dougie
Roar Guru
Shattered for Bailey and was looking forward to seeing him have a really strong 2024 season. I hope he deals with his injury layoff mentally ok. Agree with others here this can only mean his contract value and trade value diminishes. Hopefully he extends on a modest contract for two seasons and gives himself a chance to earn a bumper contract next time around.
Ace
Roar Rookie
A bit of bias here but I do hope it's the opportunity that Sanders needs to break in. I think he and McKercher (North) are ready to play.. but as I said a bit biased
Chris Lewis
Roar Guru
big loss for Dogs. Great player on his day.
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Macca we are as desperate as any other team. Dogs won’t be forced into throwing money around unnecessarily. If he leaves at years end l wish him all the best.
nostats
Roar Rookie
hope he makes full recovery ,great player when in form , a lot of time to think while in rehab , i was expecting him to bounce back to his best next season and then stay at dogs not so sure now.he will be well looked after by dogs medicos and other staff ,that may sway his thinking regarding staying or going .if dogs still want him of course
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Shame but gives a great opportunity for Ryley to play R1 & cement his place in the team.
berrlins
Roar Pro
Mate there are probably 6 or 7 bandwagons I would jump on before Port if I were so inclined but the Dogs will be fine, midfield depth is our speciality.
Shane
Roar Rookie
Put a line through them, no midfield depth. Time for the dogs supporters to jump on the Power band wagon. Simply darken the red to black on your scarf.
berrlins
Roar Pro
I imagine suiters would cool, it hurts the Dogs if they had to trade him as well, they can't ask for as much. It won't hurt our chances that much though, we were playing him out of position and he wasn't great. Sanders should slot in.
Naughty's Headband
Roar Rookie
Sanders will fill the gap in the midfield and Freijah will come onto the wing. Did some good drafting this year. Watch out for Freijah - I reckon they got a real bargain with him (doesn't everyone with their draft picks). Also, watch out for the kid in the video on the left of your screen - Dom Bendendo, he's finally fit, ran the best 2km at the Dogs preseason, will get a red hot crack at it this year. Can run, can jump, can take a mark. He's the modern medium forward to a tee. But yes, some interesting times to play out. It's gotta impact his contract value, no matter which club he plays for.
Macca
Roar Rookie
Terrible luck for him but a fascinating story for the next 12 months - do suitors cool? does being in the rehab group hinder his connection to the dogs? Then there is the impact of his loss on the bulldogs with the club desperately needing to make finals - can they show he is actually surplus to requirements or will they be forced to throw massive money at him if his loss is acutely felt?
berrlins
Roar Pro
That's unfortunate. Hopefully recovers we'll.