Bulldogs Hall of Famer Brad Johnson calls for Bailey Smith to make a decision about his future

Bulldogs legend Brad Johnson has called for young out-of-contract midfielder Bailey Smith to make a decision about his playing future at the Bulldogs.

Smith was drafted at pick No. 7 by the Western Bulldogs in a stacked 2018 draft. Since then, Smith has played 103 games for the Dogs and has been a key force on the wing and in the Bulldogs stellar midfield.

Bulldogs legend Johnson spoke on the uncertainty surrounding Smith and his future at the Kennel.

“I think it’s a question that needs to be answered now, so that it’s either yes there’s hope, or no, forget about it everyone, it’s not happening,” Johnson told SEN's Sportsday.

“If it’s never, that’s fine; let us know that it’s never because the hope to see a Bailey Smith in September is pretty exciting from that point of view as well.”

The 23-year-old averaged 23.5 disposals, 3.5 tackles, and 3.5 clearances in 2023 and has already put together some great performances in September.

At the beginning of December last year, the star midfielder tore his ACL at training and hasn’t returned to the playing field since.

Gerard Healy also added his thoughts surrounding Smith and how he believes he has checked out at The Kennel.

“As far as your average timeline is concerned, he probably should be on the track ready to roll, (Dan) McStay has come in about the same timeline,” he said.

The out-of-contract Bulldog is being pursued by rival clubs like Geelong and Hawthorn and has appeared to have checked out at Whitten Oval.

“To be completely honest, I didn't see him when I was (at the club) last week, and I made a couple calls today and haven’t had a response,” Johnson added.

Smith has a massive call to make on his future, as his current Bulldogs side is flying at the moment and looks to make yet another September run.