Hammer blow for the AFL as poster boy Bailey Smith is out for the entire 2024 season with a devastating injury

Western Bulldogs star Bailey Smith will miss the entire 2024 AFL season after suffering a serious knee injury in training.

The 23-year-old midfielder suffered the injury mid-training on Wednesday and scans confirmed damage to his anterior cruciate ligament.

“We are all extremely disappointed in Bailey and we feel very sorry for him,” Bulldogs director of football Chris Grant said.

Smith (pictured at Bulldogs training) is one of the AFL’s most outstanding players and his loss of the season is a huge blow to the club and the league as a whole.

Known for his excellent physical condition, Smith finished first in the club’s 2km time trial in November, preparing for a crucial year in his career.

“The whole club will rally around him at this difficult time as he begins his rehabilitation journey.”

Smith’s contract expires at the end of 2024 and he has been the subject of speculation about leaving the Bulldogs.

Hawthorn and Geelong have been most closely linked with the midfielder, who has fallen on hard times in mid-2023.

This drew fierce external criticism and a strong defense from Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge.

Smith struggled to break into a star-studded midfield that boasted prolific goal-holders Marcus Bontempelli, Tom Liberatore, Adam Treloar and Jack McRae.

Smith (pictured at this year’s Melbourne Cup) is out of contract at the end of next season and has been linked with a move away from the Dawgs.

He looked ready for a big season after finishing first in the club’s 2km time trial last month.

Smith recently linked up with Collingwood star Nick Daicos in the United States and is one of the most sought-after figures in the AFL, with over 340,000 followers on Instagram.

He has a strong connection with younger fans, having previously spoken about his mental health battles in the spotlight.