There’s plenty to like about Western Bulldogs draftees Will Hayes and Bailey Smith, according to experienced midfielder Mitch Wallis.
Hayes and Smith will both line-up in the Bulldogs’ opening 2019 JLT Community Series match against Gold Coast Suns in Mackay on Sunday.
The pair had different paths to the AFL – Smith taken with pick seven straight out the under-18 system, and the mature-aged Hayes selected with pick 78 after winning Footscray’s best and fairest in the VFL.
But Wallis, new to the Bulldogs’ leadership group this season, has no doubt the pair are ready to play AFL football.
“Knowing ‘Hayesy’ through Footscray, it’s a great story of perseverance,” Wallis told SEN1116.
LIPINSKI RE-SIGNS WITH THE DOGS
“He’s 23 and he had a career-best year last year, and he’s really slid right into a wing role. He’s fit, he’s got good skills and he attacks the ball really well. He’s definitely going to complement Lachie Hunter and Patty Lipinski on the wings.
“(Bailey’s) only been there for five minutes, but he’s one of the most dedicated people to his footy and lifestyle that I’ve ever seen. He really sets the standard in that vein.
“He’s had a little bit of an interrupted start to his AFL career with an Achilles injury, but he’s definitely back now and playing and really pushing for a spot early in the season.”
