The question Sam Docherty's return poses about Bailey Smith

Gerard Healy believes it’s hard to beat Sam Docherty’s upcoming return for Carlton from an ACL injury as one of the best stories in footy this year.

But the 1988 Brownlow Medallist believes Docherty’s inclusion in Carlton’s side begs the question of Bailey Smith and the Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs star ruptured his ACL in December last year, while Docherty returns for finals after suffering the same injury in March.

Healy asked what Smith could’ve done for the Dogs in September had he rehabbed as well as Docherty and Collingwood's Dan McStay who also got back to play in 2024 after rupturing his ACL during the pre-season.

“The Bulldogs’ best still looks more than capable of winning the flag,” Healy said on SEN’s Sportsday.

“But it’s only logic that those chances would have been significantly magnified had Bailey Smith done a (Dan) McStay, and now a Docherty, and got back in time for the finals.”

While Healy admitted only the inner sanctum would know of Smith’s medical condition and whether he could’ve pushed for a return in September, he thinks the midfielder could have been the difference between the ultimate success for Luke Beveridge’s side.

“Let’s hope that lost Dog doesn’t cost them a flag,” he said.

The Bulldogs will take on the Hawks on Friday night in an Elimination Final, while the Blues will face Brisbane at the Gabba on Saturday night in another do-or-die clash.