Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge says confidence in Bailey Smith staying is starting to 'wane'

Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge isn't so confident that injured midfielder Bailey Smith will stick fat with the club, as trade rumours continue to swirl.

Smith tore his ACL in the pre season, ruling him out of the 2024 season at Whitten Oval, which is his last year under contract.

He was sent away on a trip to Europe earlier in the year, but is now back home with trade conversations well underway, reportedly between the Cats and Hawks.

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While Beveridge says there is nothing wrong with Smith's relationship with him and the club, there is trepidation that Smith won't be at the Whitten Oval next season.

"I don't feel like we need to force it (conversations) if it comes out early because that's the player's choice, if they'd like to let the club know," Beveridge said on Friday.

The Dogs have offered the 23-year-old a two-year contract extension, which could lock him into the club until 2027.

However, the 2016 premiership coach hinted there is "no certainty" that Smith would commit, also noting that he is aware of conversations likely occurring with rival clubs.

"I think there's just too much to play out still at the end of the year, whenever that may be, and sometimes it's just no certainty from the other end," he said.

"And players might have more than one option and they're considering things, so I don't think players are necessarily in a position to tell their club if they are moving."

Beveridge also suggested that Smith has made no verbal commitment to the Dogs.

"But when a player hasn't told you that he's staying, then, you know, as time goes on, your confidence levels start to wane a little bit," he said.

In December last year, Smith expressed his desire to have an even bigger impact once he returns from his knee injury.

"I'm really motivated to come back bigger and better," he told 9News Melbourne.

"I know everyone says it (after an ACL injury) but I think all my actions will do the talking when I get back."