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AAP
AAP
Sport
Oliver Caffrey

Bulldogs won't risk Smith like Blues with Docherty

The Western Bulldogs won't rush Bailey Smith back from an ACL injury. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)

Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge says the club will stick to an 11-month recovery period for ACL injuries, declaring they will not risk rushing back Bailey Smith for finals.

A day after Carlton utility Sam Docherty was confirmed to make his comeback from knee surgery following just six months out, Beveridge defended the Bulldogs' careful management of their off-contract midfielder.

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