Luke Beveridge, the coach of the Western Bulldogs, has openly acknowledged the challenges the club faces in retaining their star midfielder, Bailey Smith, beyond the current season. Smith, who is currently recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained during a training session in December last year, is planning to take a three-week overseas break to rejuvenate mentally. This injury has sidelined Smith for the entirety of the 2024 season, yet it hasn’t diminished the interest of rival AFL clubs in securing his services.
Notable teams such as Collingwood, Geelong, and Hawthorn are reportedly keen on acquiring Smith, who is out of contract at the end of the season. Beveridge conceded that it will be difficult to retain Smith in 2025 but remains hopeful about the possibility. In an interview with the Seven Network, Beveridge expressed his desire for Smith to remain with the Western Bulldogs, though he stopped short of expressing confidence in that outcome.
“I hope he is (playing at the Western Bulldogs). I wouldn’t say ‘expect’,” Beveridge remarked. He emphasized that Smith has significant work ahead in his recovery and that the club is fully aware of the substantial interest from other teams. The Western Bulldogs are actively working behind the scenes to support Smith’s recovery, aiming to ensure he returns fit, healthy, and strong. Beveridge also noted that Smith feels he plays a crucial role within the team.
The situation highlights the precarious nature of player retention in the AFL, especially when it involves high-profile players like Smith who attract considerable attention from other clubs. The Bulldogs are striving to create an environment that will convince Smith to stay, balancing his rehabilitation with efforts to reinforce his bond with the club.
