Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge calls on AFL to SCRAP drugs policy as Bailey Smith faces suspension

Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge sensationally calls for the AFL’s illegal drugs policy to be SCRAPPED just as superstar Bailey Smith faces suspension after photo of him holding bag of white powder emerged

  • Beveridge claimed nobody in the AFL is even sure the policy ‘really works’   
  • Remarks come as his star midfielder Bailey Smith faces suspension under policy
  • Dogs coach said players with diagnosed mental health problems are exempt 

Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has called for the AFL illicit drugs policy to be scrapped as Bailey Smith faces suspension under the controversial system.

Star midfielder Smith will be interviewed by the AFL integrity unit in the coming days after being caught on video with illicit substances last year.

The video and images emerged last week, with Smith later apologising for ‘indulging in behaviours in late 2021 of which I am deeply ashamed’.

Smith faces at least two weeks out of the game under the league’s policy after he admitted to drug use when a picture of him holding a bag full of white powder emerged on Saturday 

Beveridge (centre) wants the policy axed because he believes nobody in the AFL is 'really sure it works'

Beveridge (centre) wants the policy axed because he believes nobody in the AFL is ‘really sure it works’

The 21-year-old, who is currently serving a two-match suspension for headbutting an opponent, is likely to cop another two-match ban for ‘conduct unbecoming’.

He could also cop a strike under the illicit drugs policy.

Beveridge, who has offered Smith his support, questioned the value of the three-strike policy.

‘None of us are really sure it works,’ Beveridge told reporters on Monday.

‘Ultimately the clubs, the people, the constituents at the football clubs are here to help and support our players.

‘And essentially any player with a clinically diagnosed mental health challenge will never be exposed to the policy anyway.’

Smith was also seen appearing to snort a substance at a nightclub in a video that emerged shortly after the damning photograph

Smith was also seen appearing to snort a substance at a nightclub in a video that emerged shortly after the damning photograph 

Smith has been outspoken about his mental health struggles.

The mullet-adorned midfielder is one of the league’s most marketable stars but has struggled to cope with fame during his four seasons with the Bulldogs.

Smith told News Corp he turned to partying last year to deal with his mental health issues, including ‘chronic anxiety’, which were exacerbated by last year’s grand final defeat.

‘I just had to take that month off, and I didn’t know what my future looked like from there,’ Smith said.

The superstar midfielder said he considered leaving the game as he turned to partying to deal with mental health issues including chronic anxiety

The superstar midfielder said he considered leaving the game as he turned to partying to deal with mental health issues including chronic anxiety

‘I didn’t know if I’d ever get back to good form, or get back on the straight and narrow.

‘There have certainly been really dark days.

‘Even now, I haven’t brushed my teeth in two days just because of this stuff.

‘It does hit me, and I do get waves of chronic anxiety and it’s difficult.’

Smith told News Corp he almost felt relieved that video and images of him with illicit substances had emerged.

He said he is ready to be held accountable and get help, urging others in a similar position to do the same.

Smith said his parents and girlfriend had been his main supporters, adding that Beveridge had been the first to offer his support last week.

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