Western Bulldogs senior coach Luke Beveridge has lauded midfielder Bailey Smith for his impact in the Good Friday SuperClash against North Melbourne.
The 21-year-old has not put a foot wrong so far this season, amassing a game-high and career-best 43 disposals, seven marks and 646m gained in the 68-point win over the Kangaroos.
It continues his impressive start to the season, averaging 35.8 possessions and 6.5 marks from four games.
“He’s had a significant start to the year. He’s causing some headaches for the opposition and is playing more gametime than he ever has,” Beveridge told media post-match.
“He’s an example of a young fella who is now really ready to take on the rigours of the game at this level, and spend more time out on the ground and be that influential player we always thought he’d be.
“I’m rapt for him with the way he’s going - he had another significant afternoon.”
Beveridge said it was pleasing to finish more accurately in front of goal, with captain Marcus Bontempelli spending more minutes in the forward-line to come away with three majors goals.
“It’s a good result – sometimes it’s where and how they come into the forward line,” Beveridge told media post-match.
“We were able to get a little bit closer to goal, and there were some great contests from a little bit of a taller forward line - which we haven’t always had the luxury of.
“I think that made a little bit of a difference. We scrambled some goals, got one or two from forward-50 stoppages – it just takes the edge off a little bit."
