AFL

Bulldogs ace Smith returns to AFL training

By AAP Newswire

Dec 22, 2021

Western Bulldogs star Bailey Smith has returned to training just a week after taking leave from his AFL club.

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The Bulldogs have posted a photo of Smith at training on Wednesday after last week giving him time away from the club for personal reasons.

Smith has played all 67 games for the Bulldogs since making his debut in 2019 and is one of the most popular figures in the AFL, with a huge following on social media.

The 21-year-old revealed in October how fame had impacted his mental health.

"I acknowledge (the attention), I know it's there, it is the elephant in my brain, but I ignore it as much as I can," he told the Common Chaos podcast.

Smith enjoyed an outstanding 2021 finals series as the Bulldogs reached the grand final, falling short against Melbourne.

Days later, a man made a complaint to police after an alleged physical altercation with Smith outside a Gold Coast bar.

No charges were laid by police and the Bulldogs took no further action.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press