Western Bulldogs star Bailey Smith has lifted the lid on his mental health struggles, admitting he encountered some “really dark days” in the wake of last year’s AFL Grand Final loss to Melbourne. 7NEWS
“I didn’t know if I’d ever get back to good form, or get back on the straight and narrow.
The star midfielder is expected to cop a two-week ban and possibly a strike under the AFL’s illicit drugs policy over the images – and a compromising video - that circulated of him on Saturday. He has previously admitted to struggling with the attention that came with becoming one of the game’s most marketable players in such a short span of time.
He also highlighted how his coach Luke Beveridge was the first person from the Bulldogs to reach out to him on Saturday to provide his support with a text message that read “here to support you, we’ll get through this”. “We’re really just interested in the future with him and how we can carry him through being better equipped to managing his own health and how he relates to the public as well.The Dogs coach also questioned the value of the AFL three-strike illicit drugs policy.Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge wants the AFL illicit drugs policy abolished.“Ultimately the clubs, the people, the constituents at the football clubs are here to help and support our players.
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