Bailey Smith Biography

Bailey Smith is banned for two games after admitting to using an illicit substance as exposed by photos and a video that emerged on social media.

The AFL will this week investigate Bailey Smith over his use of an illicit substance late last year.

After photos and a video of Smith with the substance emerged early on Saturday, Smith issued a public apology, saying the incident coincided with a deterioration of his mental health after last year's AFL Grand Final loss to Melbourne.

"After much reflection, I am now in a position to confess to indulging in behaviours in late 2021 of which I am deeply ashamed. I do not have an excuse for those behaviours, however the state of my mental health over that period post Grand Final dramatically deteriorated, and I spiralled out of control leading to poor decision making and actions at the time. All of this resulting in the leave I took from football at the commencement of pre-season training late last year," Smith said.

"The depth of my emotions over that period, coupled with some of my behaviours, have reminded me that, as a person, I am still very much a work-in-progress."

Bailey Smith returns to training a week after taking leave from the club.

Bailey Smith takes indefinite leave from the Western Bulldogs for personal reasons.

"We remain in close contact with Bailey, and we respect and understand his need to spend some time away from the club at the moment," Bulldogs football boss Chris Grant said.

Smith has opened up in the past about his struggles with mental health issues.

The Western Bulldogs are not expected to take further action regarding an alleged incident on the Gold Coast involving Bailey Smith which has led to a complaint to police against him.

"Police have received a complaint in relation to an alleged assault of a 22-year-old man at Goodwin Terrace around 12.10am on Monday October 4," a Queensland police spokesperson said. "The man was transported to hospital for treatment. Investigations are ongoing."

Bailey Smith opens up on his mental health struggles.

"We've all got demons, we've all got things that make us anxious or struggle, and I've got my own mental health which I deal with, as I'm sure lots of people do, but it's just not spoken about as much as I'd like it, and I know we are getting better as a society and as footballers, talking about it, but we can be seen as easy going, living the dream, loving it," Smith said in an interview with AFL.com.au.

"There's a lot going on. I'm an over-thinker, always have been. It stems from growing up through school, and footy and stuff. I haven't been too open about it but I probably need to address it a bit more if it comes up in conversation. I think it's healthy to talk about it, and know that everyone doesn't always cope as well as they would like, and it's OK to put your hand up and say you're struggling."

Bailey Smith credits Bulldogs assistant coach Dale Morris for helping cope with his mental health struggles.

"There was actually a time where (Morris) looked after me - I broke down at the club, everyone had left one night, and I was just struggling, this was in my first year, when it all gets too much for you," Smith said.

"Everyone had left. And he walked into the changerooms and gave me a big hug and said, 'I'm here for you'."

Lachie Hunter's driver's licence has been suspended, and the Bulldogs vice-captain is set to be charged for having allegedly hit four parked cars while driving under the influence of alcohol.

Hunter was driven by teammate Bailey Smith from the scene of the incident to fellow teammate Billy Gowers' house where he was later found by police. A breath test conducted on Hunter then recorded a reading of more than two times the legal blood alcohol limit.

Hunter's car, along with two of the four cars he is alleged to have hit, was towed from the scene.

Bailey Smith signs a new deal with the Bulldogs to remain at the club until the end of 2022.

"I really want to be part of this club for a long time so it’s exciting to re-sign for two more years. It didn’t take long for the club to feel like home for me and it’s getting better and better as time goes on," Smith said.

"The goal at the start of the year was just to play one game, whenever that was. As soon as I did, it was about just trying to play my role to get another game. To play every game was fantastic.

"We’ve got a young group with lots of developing players and we’re growing in confidence. There’s a drive to get better as a group and that makes me excited about our future."

Bailey Smith is the 2019 round nine Rising Star nominee.

Smith has played every game for the Bulldogs thus far in 2019 and is averaging 71% game time, 17 possessions (seven contested), four tackles, three inside 50s and two clearances. He is also fourth at the club in tackles and sixth in contested possessions.

"It's a credit to 'Bevo', the coaching staff and the players to instill in me the confidence and belief in myself," Smith said.

"And for Bevo to give me time in the midfield as a first-year player is not something I take for granted.

"The midfield group have also helped my transition – they do a good job of making me feel like a valued member of our midfield. I'm just so grateful."

Bailey Smith makes his AFL debut for the Western Bulldogs at Docklands Stadium with 8 disposals (4 kicks and 4 handballs), a mark and 4 tackles in a 17-point win over Sydney.

Bailey Smith will make his debut for the Bulldogs in their 2019 season opener against the Swans.

"You've got a very exciting future, we're fortunate to have you here. We'll obviously present you with a jumper a bit later in the week, but it's a fine achievement, one I know you've dreamed about," Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge told Smith.

Bailey Smith is hopeful a long stint on the sidelines with Achilles issues won't hinder his chances for an early season AFL debut.

"Towards the end of the month or in early February I'll be in full training. It's frustrating. It's been a pain and been pretty lonely at times doing my rehab," Smith said.

"Not a lot of the boys are in the rehab group so I've been doing a bit here and there by myself, but I just can't wait to get out onto the track. I've been out there a few times doing my running and I've done a few 8km sessions but it's nothing like the main sessions with the boys."

The Western Bulldogs select Bailey Smith with pick No.7 in the 2018 National Draft.

Smith says he has set high standards in order to get the most out of himself during his time at the Bulldogs.

“A big thing for me is training standards. Behind the scenes, doing all the recovery I can, even with my diet," he said.

"Whatever the Doggies require of me is what I’ll do. I just want to be as coachable as possible."