Bailey Smith
The Bulldogs’ first-round draft pick from 2018 had a sensational debut season.
After an injury-affected pre-season, Bailey Smith earned a round one call-up and never looked back, playing every game.
Featuring in the midfield alongside superstars Marcus Bontempelli, Jack Macrae and Josh Dunkley, Smith showed he could match it with the best – earning a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination in round nine and finishing fourth overall in the award voting.
By the numbers
AFL Games: 23
Goals: 11
Disposals (av): 17.7
Marks (av): 2.5
Tackles (av): 4
Best game
Smith earned his Rising Star nomination with 28 disposals against Geelong in round nine, but he bettered that performance in round 15 against Port Adelaide.
In wet and wild conditions, the teenager had 22 disposals – including 14 contested possessions – plus five score involvements and a game-high 14 tackles.
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Pat Lipinski
Young gun Pat Lipinski was forced to bide his time at VFL level early in the year, before breaking into the AFL side in round 10.
He played every game for the rest of the season, spending his time at Footscray transitioning to an inside midfield role.
The 21-year-old became an important member of the Bulldogs’ line-up, complementing the midfield group and pushing forward to kick 11 goals.
Lipinski signed a two-year extension earlier this year, tying him to the Club until the end of 2021.
By the numbers
AFL Games: 14
Goals: 11
Disposals (av): 21.9
Marks (av): 4.6
Tackles (av): 3.6
Best game
The Bulldogs only just edged past Carlton in round 13, and Lipinski was critical in that win.
He helped fill the void as Tom Liberatore injured his knee in the first half, racking up 29 disposals, five clearances, five inside-50s and two goals – one of those in a tense final term – in a three-point win.
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Ed Richards
In his second season at AFL level, Ed Richards was again a consistent presence for the Bulldogs.
The 20-year-old played 20 games and showed he will be an important player in the years to come, experiencing a variety of roles, across half-back, on a wing and up forward.
With elite acceleration, Richards certainly added to his highlights reel with bursts away from opponents and some impressive goals.
By the numbers
AFL Games: 20
Goals: 9
Disposals (av): 11.7
Marks (av): 2.8
Tackles (av): 2.4
Best game
Richards was a key contributor for the Bulldogs in a narrow loss to Collingwood in round 14.
He collected a career-best 23 disposals, generated four inside-50s and had five score involvements.
