why did bailey smith leave bulldogs

Bailey Smith left the Western Bulldogs primarily due to footballing reasons and a desire for a fresh start. He expressed to the Bulldogs' coach that he no longer wanted to play at the club and sought a trade, with Geelong being his preferred destination. One key reason was his wish to play on the ball (in the midfield), but with the Bulldogs' established and evolving midfield lineup, including players like Marcus Bontempelli, Tom Liberatore, Adam Treloar, Jackson Macrae, and later Ed Richards, his opportunities in that role were limited. His serious ACL injury in 2024 also impacted his season and possibly his relationship with the playing group. Additionally, Smith was attracted to Geelong's playing group, club culture, and the balance they have in life, which appealed to him beyond just football. He looked forward to starting fresh at a successful club with a new environment suited to his needs.