Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge says Bailey Smith remains “absolutely committed” to the club ahead of his 100th game this weekend.
Smith has struggled with his form this season and been heavily linked to Geelong, but Beveridge said the explosive runner wanted to stay at the club and praised his “fierce desire” to become one of the competition’s best players.
He said he and Smith had exchanged some animated words over the course of his career but insisted the Bulldogs had the back of the former No. 7 pick, who was the Dogs’ key playmaker as they advanced to the 2021 grand final.
“Bailey’s really transparent and wears his heart on his sleeve … he likes to talk and we send text messages here and there, but he knows that I’ve got his back,” Beveridge said.