Western Bulldogs star Bailey Smith has taken his recovery from the depths of season-ending ACL surgery to the heights of a hilltop European holiday.
Suffering the dreaded knee injury in December during pre-season training, the owner of the most famous mullet in the AFL was afforded a few weeks to soak up Europe’s sunny rays during his monotonous rehab schedule.
Camping out in France’s stunning coastal spot Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, the 23-year-old dived head first into the croissant breakfasts and turquoise waters.
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Documenting his travels and lifestyle through regular Instagram updates, Smith skipped over to Sicily where he continued his Vitamin D-fuelled recovery.
The AFL poster boy shared his White Lotus-inspired getaway to his 329,000 followers as he enjoyed picturesque Taormina views.
Made famous by the scandalous show’s second season, the Sicilian town’s umbrella-laden coastline, steep streets and endless sunshine were on full display.
The change of scenery was suggested by Smith’s surgeon and supported by the club to combat the mental load of long-term recovery.
Smith’s photos of himself training on holiday — with Sherrin in hand — set Bulldog tongues wagging as fans pushed for the out-of-contract star to re-sign for next year and beyond.
“Looking forward to seeing you back next year in the red, white and blue,” one wrote, with a fellow Dogs fan even hoping Smith could return in time for this year’s finals series.
“I hope you’ve got pen in hand, ready to sign on again at the kennel Baz,” another said.
Collingwood, Geelong and Hawthorn have all been linked to Smith, and Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge recently stopped short of saying he expects the speedster to remain at the club.
“Welcome to the Hawks,” wrote one fan, with another Hawthorn supporter adding: “James Sicily said he will give up number 6 for you when you throw on the brown and gold.”
Wherever he ends up, Smith is doing all he can to get ready.
“Pre-season all over again,” Smith wrote alongside a snap of his heart rate after another holiday workout.
“Love this s***.”
Beveridge still wants Smith to stick around at the Bulldogs but could not say he ‘expects’ him to re-sign.
“I think he’s got a lot of work to do and we haven’t got our head in the sand, we know that there’s a number of clubs who Bailey appeals to,” the coach told Channel 7’s Talking Footy.
“We’re working behind the scenes to make sure that he’s able to come back fit and healthy and strong, first and foremost.
“But secondary to that, I know he feels like he’s a significant part of the football club.
“It’s just that in the market and the short space of time that the playing group have to work within, if there’s a club or two or three that come at him with an astronomical deal, he may not be able to knock it back.
“There’s obviously stories about players probably sacrificing some of that to stay in an environment and we’ll work with him on his thought processes around that.”
– with PerthNow