Western Bulldogs midfielder Bailey Smith says he couldn’t see himself anywhere else but the Kennel.
The 21-year-old penned a two-year contract extension on Monday, keeping him in the red, white and blue until at least the end of 2024.
Smith said it was an easy decision to make, based on the relationships he’s made both within the playing group and among staff.
“I don’t want to be anywhere else. I’m stoked to call this home for another two years,” he said.
“Having the crew that we do from both the players to the staff – the relationships I’ve formed, I can’t have them out of my life.
“It wasn’t even in question to go anywhere else, purely because (those relationships) have helped form arguably the most important years of my life.
“From when I got here when I was 17 to now 21, the people I’ve been around and people that have supported me through thick and thin, to the amazing times I’ve had with my best mates.
“It’s a major part of why I couldn’t go anywhere else.”
Smith has played 81 AFL games since being selected with pick seven in the 2018 National Draft.
He played a starring role in the Bulldogs’ run to the Grand Final last year, and is striving for more team success in the near future.
“A massive goal of ours is obviously sustained success. Getting a look at it last year and trying to replicate it this year has been tough, but it’s trying to reinvent ourselves and each other each year,” Smith said.
“It’s not going to be the same (each year) as different challenges will be thrown at us – but it’s just learning to balance those and try to perform as best as we can.”
He also thanked members and fans for their unwavering support.
“They have been huge - this year was tough, and I went through a bit but they all stuck by me,” Smith said.
“Even people at the Club – that’s why I’ll sort of be forever in debt to them.
“It’s just amazing – that’s why we play, to see them each weekend at Marvel or wherever we are playing, to hear their voices cheering us on and supporting us is what pushes us to another level.”
