Welcome to the Bulldogs: Bailey Smith

[GVGjr]

Have you heard anything from the clubs perspective on him?

No I haven't

[boydogs]

He's an impressive youngster and I'm hoping we eventually see a more skillful and quicker version of Daniel Cross.

That's quite a left field comparison, I though Smith would be more Cooney than Cross

[ratsmac]

That's quite a left field comparison, I though Smith would be more Cooney than Cross

I think the comparison is that he is a footy addict like Crossy was. The off field stuff. He will be the first on the training track and last one off like Cross. Which is something that I have never heard people say about Coons. I get where you're coming from by comparing him with Cooney as well though with the way he plays.

[GVGjr]

That's quite a left field comparison, I though Smith would be more Cooney than Cross

The Cross dedication with preparing for footy more than the onfield ability

[Dancin' Douggy]

wow. a hybrid of cross and Cooney sounds pretty perfect.

As long as you get the right bits of each one.

Cross' attitude with Cooney's talent, blistering pace, skills and athletic gifts.

Not the other way round.

[Axe Man]

wow. a hybrid of cross and Cooney sounds pretty perfect.

As long as you get the right bits of each one.

Cross' attitude with Cooney's talent, blistering pace, skills and athletic gifts.

Not the other way round.

There are heaps of players with Cooney's attitude and Cross' natural talent - they are all playing local footy.

[Twodogs]

wow. a hybrid of cross and Cooney sounds pretty perfect.

As long as you get the right bits of each one.

Cross' attitude with Cooney's talent, blistering pace, skills and athletic gifts.

Not the other way round.

The other way around one sounds like the knee affected Cooney in his last couple of years with us.

There are heaps of players with Cooney's attitude and Cross' natural talent - they are all playing local footy.

A few have been listed by us over the years.

[GVGjr]

It's good to hear Smith is close to participating in full training. While it probably puts him a fair way behind for the season we are in the fortunate position of not needing to rush him.

A few games in the 2nd half of the season would be a good bonus

[AshMac]

It's good to hear Smith is close to participating in full training. While it probably puts him a fair way behind for the season we are in the fortunate position of not needing to rush him.

A few games in the 2nd half of the season would be a good bonus

Be nice to let him ease in. I’m really keen to see him given all the right preparation before he showcases himself on the big stage.

[BornInDroopSt'54]

We don't want a promising career to start with a chronic achilles not properly rested.

[bulldogtragic]

Based on his first pre-season, (we were never offering this pick to Port, but say we were) would you still have us signing Wingard on 5 X $900,000 contract, or are you thinking this kid might be worth all the draft year hype and happy with what we now have?

[divvydan]

Far too early to tell yet. He certainly had a little bit of trouble with the speed of the game in both his games so far but that will come soon enough and at that point we'll get a better idea about what he can offer the team.

[azabob]

Far too early to tell yet. He certainly had a little bit of trouble with the speed of the game in both his games so far but that will come soon enough and at that point we'll get a better idea about what he can offer the team.

Him actually playing is an achievement in itself so early considering he had a restricted load with his Achilles injury.

[Doc26]

Him actually playing is an achievement in itself so early considering he had a restricted load with his Achilles injury.

Great point. I’ve seen nothing to suggest that he wasn’t worth the pick used but largely it’s far too early for any assessment based on current game time.

[jeemak]

Slightly off topic, but it might be pertinent to compare the output of Lloyd versus Wingard for the next year or two when making this assessment.

If we get strong contributions from Lloyd while Smith develops then that might make our broader post season strategy look more favourable in the context of the question.

Smith has shown himself to be a bit rushed in traffic and with his disposal, but he's also shown he can drill a ball 35-40m and hit a target lace out when given some space. If he can help our midfield spread, use his pace to get some clear air and hit a target decisively and quickly a few times a game then we're ahead of where we were last year already.