Bailey Smith was recruited to the Western Bulldogs with the seventh pick overall in the 2018 NAB AFL Draft, and made his debut in Round 1, 2019 against the Sydney Swans and never looked back The first-round draft-pick featured prominently in the Bulldogs midfield alongside superstars Marcus Bontempelli, Jack Macrae and Josh Dunkley, and played every game in his debut season including the club's Elimination Final against the GWS Giants. Smith showed he could match it with the best – earning a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination in round nine and finishing fourth overall in the award voting. Although primarily ball-winning onballer, Smith has an ability to play multiple roles, including across half forward and as a running defender. Smith is strong around the contest, with his elite endurance a strength. He captained the Sandringham Dragons in the TAC Cup in 2018 and represented Vic Metro in its Under 18 carnival, where he was awarded MVP honours. Smith averaged 25 disposals in the 2018 Under 18 Championships and earned All-Australian selection, before suffering a season-ending achilles injury.