SANDRINGHAM Dragons captain Bailey Smith started off Round 1 of the 2018 TAC Cup season with a bang, earning AFL Draft Central’s TAC Cup Player of the Round.

The Dragons midfielder racked up 37 disposals (22 contested), 12 clearances, eight inside 50s and seven tackles, in a best-on-ground display in the Dragons’ 45-point win over Northern Knights at Skybus Stadium on Saturday.

Smith is no stranger to performing well at Frankston Oval, having recorded exceptional stats in Round 14 against Western Jets last season of 44 disposals (22 contested) at 72 per cent efficiency, 13 inside 50s, 10 clearances, six marks and four rebound 50s – which earned him the Round 14 nomination for the 2017 TAC Cup Player of the Round. 

The Xavier College student was a late addition to the AFL Academy after missing out on the Level One squad, and has left no stone unturned in an attempt to get drafted.

A transition from half-back into a full-time midfield role has helped Smith and he has certainly pushed his draft credentials in the Dragons’ opening game of the season. 

.@Sandy_Dragons captain Bailey Smith clearly enjoyed the wet weather at Frankston on Saturday -collecting 37 disposals (22 contested), 12 clearances, 8 i50s and 7 tkls. It wouldn't surprise me to see him sneak into the Top 10-15 players come November. #AFLDraft @afldraftcentral

— Matt Balmer (@MattBalmer7) March 26, 2018

TAC CUP SCOUTING NOTES: ROUND 1

AFL Draft Central’s TAC Cup Player of the Round:

Round One: Bailey Smith (Sandringham Dragons)