Coach Beveridge strongly defends Bulldogs star Smith

Oliver Caffrey | July 11, 2023

Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has slammed “disrespectful” commentary about Bailey Smith after revealing the out-of-form star has been struggling with illness.

The 22-year-old endured a tough night against Collingwood last Friday, finishing with just 11 disposals in the Bulldogs’ 12-point defeat to the premiership favourites.

Smith then missed the Bulldogs’ main training session at the Whitten Oval on Tuesday through illness and is no certainty to play against Sydney at the SCG on Thursday night.

One of the AFL’s most marketable faces, Smith’s form has been a major talking point in the media in recent days and discussion has even turned to if he should move clubs.

But Beveridge labelled the commentary “pungent” and said there were reasons why the midfielder had been below his explosive best.

“Post-game he was sick,” Beveridge said in a passionate defence of Smith on Tuesday.

“He wasn’t in early in the week because he’s been ill.

“He was ill leading into the game, so he wasn’t feeling his best, but he wanted to play.

“All these things that people aren’t aware of, and if you haven’t got the information, you don’t know the facts, then all you do is do harm.

“Speculation around whether or not he should be at another club or not, it’s just disrespectful and we’ve got a really good track record here with our players.”

Smith’s profile has skyrocketed since being drafted by the Bulldogs in 2018, becoming one of Australian sport’s most recognisable faces.

He instantly had an impact for the Dogs on the field, playing a starring role in the club’s extraordinary charge to the 2021 grand final.

Smith has a huge social media following and has a strong connection to younger fans for openly discussing his mental health challenges.

He received a two-game suspension by the AFL last year for conduct unbecoming after photographs and video emerged of him using illicit drugs.

“We all see the potential of a young man who should be a really influential player in the competition,” Beveridge said.

“He’s had some real challenges; he’s had injury, obviously had some time out of the game, and he’s been quite open with his mental health side of it.

“All we’ve ever done here is look after Bailey and even (on Monday) him and I and our communications were in a really good place.

“If there’s speculation around these things … if media want to drum that up, what you’re not doing is looking after Bailey Smith.

“We’re hoping that, whether it’s this year, or into next year, that he finds his way to his absolute best and we’re just going to help him and we believe he can get there.”

Meanwhile, Beveridge said defender Ryan Gardner remained a chance to face the Swans after hurting his ankle against the Magpies.

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