Here’s what the Draft media experts had to say about the Western Bulldogs’ first pick in the 2018 NAB AFL Draft, Bailey Smith.
AFL Media (Callum Twomey)
Achilles injuries kept Smith out of action for the last three months of the season, including seeing him sit out testing at the NAB AFL Draft Combine, but he had made every post a winner before then. Smith transformed himself from a half-back last year into a hard-running, powerful and explosive midfielder this season, dominating at the under-18 carnival for Vic Metro. He can run all day, is tough and likes to float forward and hit the scoreboard. You won't find a more dedicated prospect than Smith.
AFL Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheahan
Hard-running medium midfielder with elite endurance and is a prolific ball-winner. Very good stoppage player and can hit the scoreboard. Prolific ball-winner (50 per cent contested) in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, winning Vic Metro’s MVP award and Under-18 All-Australian honours. NAB AFL Academy member.
Herald Sun (Gary Buckenara)
Smith is an elite decision-maker who reads the play really well and has a good outside game. His running ability is strong, which allows him to get on his bike, create space and be a dangerous option in transition. He’s a very smart footballer and although he has had some issues with his Achilles, he has definitely shown more than enough to be a top 10 pick in this year’s draft. His athletic ability and combination of speed and endurance is definitely what clubs will find attractive. He didn’t test at the draft combine but that won’t count against him as recruiters will be well aware of his football and athletic prowess already.
Fox Sports (Matt Balmer)
The strong midfielder has transitioned to a full-time midfielder in 2018 after spending most of 2017 playing across halfback. Smith can run all day and has the ability to outwork his opponents when games are on the line late in the last quarter. The Vic Metro MVP finds the ball in the contest and is a good ball-user. He has the ability to push forward and hit the scoreboard, booting three goals for Vic Metro against Vic Country. He was one of Metro’s standouts in their loss to South Australia, where he had 22 disposals, seven clearances and six tackles. He looks ready to go and should see AFL action in 2019. An Achilles issue hindered Smith in the second half of the year and the exceptional leader has the traits to suggest he could be an AFL captain down the track.
ESPN (Chris Doerre)
Arguably the best and most complete midfielder in the draft. Smith is not only a high production midfielder but also offers the best combination of contested ball-winning, reliable kicking and acceleration in this draft.
