The good, the not so good, the exhilarating, the heartbreaking… we’ve taken a look at the Moments That Mattered during the AFL season.
From now until the full playing group returns for the start of pre-season on November 25, westernbulldogs.com.au will count down 19 moments that had a big impact in 2019.
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You could just tell the young man known as ‘Baz’ had something about him.
From the moment he was drafted, the Bulldogs faithful were eagerly anticipating what he could produce on the field.
Bailey Smith had a sensational debut season.
The teenager played every game in 2019 after an Achilles issue interrupted the early stages of his pre-season, averaging 17.7 disposals and four tackles per game.
He officially became a “Rising Star” – or at least, a nominee for the main award – in round nine.
Against a midfield featuring Patrick Dangerfield, Tim Kelly, Joel Selwood, Gary Ablett and Mitch Duncan, Smith more than held his own.
The 18-year-old racked up 28 disposals at GMHBA Stadium, as the Bulldogs fought bravely against the to-be minor premiers for more than three quarters, before being run down in the final quarter in a 44-point defeat.
Five clearances, eight score involvements and 10 contested possessions – plus a disposal efficiency a shade under 90 per cent – highlighted Smith’s ability to win the ball and use it to our advantage.
Then there was the clash with Tom Stewart on the wing.
Our man didn’t take a backward step.
At the end of the season, Smith finished fourth in the award voting, with Carlton young gun Sam Walsh taking out the prize.
The sky is the limit for this young Bulldog.
Counting down the 2019 Moments That Mattered…
