Western Bulldogs midfielder Bailey Smith will miss the next two matches after the Club accepted the Match Review Officer’s sanction for headbutting.
The incident involving Smith and Geelong defender Zach Touhy was assessed as intentional conduct, medium impact and high contact.
As a first offence, Smith was offered a two-game ban. He will miss the Bulldogs’ games against GWS and Hawthorn, following the Club’s Round 13 bye.
“I’m disappointed to be missing the next two matches, and regret that I won’t be able to help my team-mates on the field during that period,” Smith said.
“I understand what happened was outside of what’s expected of AFL players. Unfortunately, I let my emotions get the better of me, which is out of character for me.
“I am determined to come back in a couple of weeks to continue giving 100 percent for my team-mates and the Club.”
Smith has been a star of the competition so far in 2022, averaging 31.6 possessions, four marks, four tackles and four clearances per game.