Western Bulldogs young gun Bailey Smith has re-signed with the club on a two-year contract.
The 21-year-old is enjoying a career-best season in 2022, averaging 30.3 disposals, 6.1 inside 50s and 3.8 clearances per game, all of which are career highs.
Smith’s signature follows that of other big signings Caleb Daniel, Tim English, Bailey Dale and Jack Macrae and others across 2022.
He'll now be at Whitten Oval until at least the end of 2024.
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“I don’t want to be anywhere else – I am stoked to call this home for another two years,” Smith said in a club statement.
“We have such strong bonds with the place – you can’t envision yourself doing anything else. The people in the club have stuck by me, I’ll be forever in debt to them.”
“The fans are amazing, it’s why we play. Seeing them each weekend at Marvel or wherever we are playing, to hear their voices cheering us on and supporting us, that pushes us to another level.”
“A massive goal of ours is sustained success. Certainly, see with the power of the list, it’s exciting the next couple of years to see what we can do.”
“It wasn’t even in question to go anywhere else, purely because the people here have helped form arguably the most important years of my life.
“From when I got here when I was 17 to now be 21 – the people that have supported me through thick and thin. All the amazing times I have
Bulldogs list manager Sam Power added he was “thrilled” to have secured Smith’s signature.
“Bailey has established himself as a consistent performer for the football club and has become one of the most exciting young players within the competition,” Power said.
“Bailey has been firm on his commitment to the Western Bulldogs and is focused on the Club building sustained success, both on and off the field.
“At only 21 years of age, we believe Bailey can still improve and he will leave no stone unturned to get the best out of himself and the team.
“Our members and supporters can look forward to cheering on our number six for years to come.”
The Dogs are still battling to re-sign Josh Dunkley, who has attracted interest from other clubs and is out of contract this year.