Exciting youngster Bailey Smith will remain in the red, white and blue for the next two seasons after re-signing with the Western Bulldogs. 

The deal sees the 21-year-old tied to the club until at least the end of the 2024 season, and is reward for another fantastic season, in which he is averaging 30 disposals and four clearances a game.

Selected at pick seven in the 2018 NAB AFL Draft, Smith has featured prominently in an elite midfield, providing impactful performances across his 81 games. 

The midfielder came of age during the 2021 AFL Finals Series, playing pivotal roles across the Semi-Final and Preliminary wins on the way to a Grand Final. 

With an ability to play multiple positions, Smith’s versatility, endurance and strength provides a platform to remain a vital player at the Bulldogs. 

“I don’t want to be anywhere else – I am stoked to call this home for another two years,” Smith said.

“We have such strong bonds with the place – you can’t envision yourself doing anything else. The people in the club have stuck by me, I’ll be forever in debt to them.”

“The fans are amazing, it’s 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."

“A massive goal of ours is sustained success. Certainly, see with the power of the list, it’s exciting the next couple of years to see what we can do.”

“It wasn’t even in question to go anywhere else, purely because the people here have helped form arguably the most important years of my life.

“From when I got here when I was 17 to now be 21 – the people that have supported me through thick and thin. All the amazing times I have had with my best mates – it was a major part of why I couldn’t go anywhere else.”

Western Bulldogs General Manager of List and Recruiting, Sam Power, says he is delighted to have Bailey remain at the Bulldogs into the future.

“We’re really thrilled to have Bailey sign on for the next two seasons,” he said. 

“Bailey has established himself as a consistent performer for the football club and has become one of the most exciting young players within the competition. 

“Bailey 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.

“At 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.

“Our members and supporters can look forward to cheering on our number six for years to come.