WESTERN Bulldogs draftee Bailey Smith is hopeful a long stint on the sidelines with Achilles issues won't hinder his chances for an early season AFL debut.
The midfielder was selected at pick No.7 last year by the Dogs despite missing the end part of the season with Achilles issues.
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The injury also saw him ruled out for the NAB AFL Draft Combine and has meant the former Sandringham Dragon has had to watch most of the Dogs' pre-season from the sidelines.
Smith, who turned 18 in December, said it had been a challenge to observe since arriving at Whitten Oval.
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"Towards the end of the month or in early February I'll be in full training. It's frustrating. It's been a pain and been pretty lonely at times doing my rehab," Smith told AFL.com.au.
"Not a lot of the boys are in the rehab group so I've been doing a bit here and there by myself, but I just can't wait to get out onto the track. I've been out there a few times doing my running and I've done a few 8km sessions but it's nothing like the main sessions with the boys."
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Smith is intent on making sure he is ready to go when that time comes. Bike and swimming sessions away from the main group have him fit and fresh, and says his aim remains to don the Dogs' colours early in the season.
"I still have the same ambitions about when I want to play. With this injury, I just really want to put my best foot forward and if that means hopefully getting a gig round one or whenever," he said.
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Smith spent time living with Dogs captain Easton Wood in his first month at the club, taking plenty from the premiership skipper's balanced approach to life off the field.
Already renowned for his near obsessive training habits, Smith said he had learned there are times to switch off from Wood.
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"I was speaking to him about treating himself most days. It helps keep you sane, keeps you ticking along. You don’t lose that hunger," he said.
"I feel like now that footy is a full-time job for me, balance is so important if you want to thrive and do well in the environment we're in. I've been switching off really well and treating myself a little more with my diet."
The Dogs will face Sydney at Marvel Stadium in round one, after JLT Community Series clashes against Gold Coast and St Kilda.
