Bailey Dale Explained

Bailey Dale
Birth Date:22 July 1996
Originalteam:Dandenong Stingrays
Draftpick:No. 45, 2014 National Draft,
Height:187 cm
Weight:83 kg
Position:Defender
Guernsey:31
Years1:2015–
Games Goals1:126 (77)
Statsend:round 19 2023
Careerhighlights:

2016

Bailey Dale (born 22 July 1996[1]) is a professional Australian rules footballer who plays for the Western Bulldogs in the Australian Football League (AFL). At 187cm (74inches) tall and 83kg (183lb), he plays as a running half-back who can move up forward or play as a wingman. He grew up in Chelsea Heights, Victoria. He played top-level junior football with the Dandenong Stingrays in the TAC Cup, and placed third in the team's best and fairest.

The took Dale with the 45th selection in the 2014 AFL draft. Since then, he has been an All-Australian, a VFL premiership player, and a winner of the Tony Liberatore Most Improved Player Award. He has polled a total of five Brownlow Medal votes in his career.

Early life and career

Dale grew up in Chelsea Heights in the southern suburbs of Melbourne.[2] He grew up supporting in the Australian Football League, and cited his all-time favourite AFL player as Chris Judd.[3] Dale began his footballing at the Edithvale-Aspendale junior football club. At just a young age, he played in the Victorian Under 12 schoolboys team. Later, he played in the senior's premiership for the Edithvale-Aspendale Eagles at the age of just 17, kicking a goal to help them get over the line.[4] [5] [6] Dale missed bottom age selection with the Dandenong Stingrays in his under 14s and 15s years, however in 2014 he was selected for the under 18 team, where he finished third in the team's best and fairest.[7] He had one of his best games for the Stingrays in round 8 of the 2014 TAC Cup season, kicking three goals and being named as the team's best.[8] He was also named in the team's best in rounds 6, 10 and 13.[9] [10] [11] After kicking 12 goals in the home-and-away season,[12] Dale kicked two more goals in the Stringrays' finals series, which saw them reach a preliminary final against the Calder Cannons.[13] At the AFL Draft Combine, Dale was noted for his goal-kicking accuracy, scoring 24/30 on the goal-kicking test.[14] Despite being predicted not to be drafted by the majority of phantom drafts,[15] [16] Dale was taken by the Western Bulldogs with pick 45 in the third round of the 2014 AFL draft.[17] [18]

AFL career

2015–2017: Early years

Dale began his first season with the Bulldogs in the Victorian Football League, playing the first six rounds with Footscray. He played the majority of the season across the wing and half-forward.[19] He made his AFL debut in round 7 of the 2015 AFL season,[20] where he kicked a goal and had 12 disposals.[21] He stayed in the team for five more rounds, but was eventually omitted from the team after round 13.[22] He had his best game for the season in round 17, kicking a crucial goal[23] and collecting a season-high 14 disposals in the team's victory over Collingwood.[24] At the conclusion of the season, Dale signed a two-year contract extension, keeping him tied to the club until the end of the 2017 season.[25]

The 2016 AFL season saw Dale appear only four times in the senior side, and although he missed out on the senior team's "fairytale" 2016 AFL Grand Final, he still tasted premiership success, as he played in Footscray's winning VFL premiership side. In the pre-season, he gained 8kg (18lb) to improve his frame.[26] He had a good start to the year, kicking seven goals in a brutal pre-season VFL match which saw Footscray win by 131 points.[27] As a result of this performance, he came back into the senior side in round 5 to face after missing the first four rounds of the AFL season.[28] and contributed 16 disposals and two behinds in the team's win.[29] However, Dale would struggle to maintain his spot in the senior side, playing just 3 more games in the AFL team for the rest of the season. Following his omission from the team after Round 8,[30] he became a vital member of the Footscray VFL team, kicking 20 goals from 17 games and coming second in Footscray's goal-scoring tally.[31] In round 15 of the 2016 VFL season, Dale kicked four goals to help the Bulldogs beat the Casey Scorpions by a singular point.[32] He had his best game in the VFL in round 21, collecting 23 disposals, 8 marks and 3 goals to send Footscray into a qualifying final against Casey.[33] He was also a key player in Footscray's 119-point win over Collingwood in the preliminary final, kicking two goals and collecting 17 disposals.[34] [35] Dale was quiet in the VFL side's premiership win, but still kicked a goal.[36]

In the 2017 AFL season, Dale played 16 games and became a regular in the Bulldogs' best 22 side. After missing the first five rounds of the season, Dale was brought back into the team in round 6 as a late replacement for injured ruckman Tom Campbell.[37] In his return game, he collected 18 disposals and a behind.[38] After being dropped for the next game,[39] Dale was again brought back into the side the following round, and from there played every game for the season. Dale had his breakout game against in round 10, collecting 27 disposals and kicking a goal[40] in a career best performance which saw him named in the team's best on ground.[41] In round 17, Dale had another 27 disposal game against which saw him named in the team's best, this time kicking two goals with it to make it his best game to that point.[42] Dale signed a two-year contract extension in August 2017, keeping him at the club until the end of the 2019 AFL season.[43] He set a then-career high goals record against in the penultimate round of the season, kicking four goals.[44] Bailey Dale was named in the AFL Media's team of the week[45] and was rated in the team's best by The Age, SEN and Footyology.com.au.[46] At the conclusion of the season, Dale claimed the Tony Liberatore Most Improved Player Award[47] after being recognised for his strong season, kicking a total of 17 goals from 16 games.[48]

2018–2020: Form struggles

The 2018 AFL season was a forgettable one for Dale, who played just 10 games in what was also a disappointing season for the Bulldogs. He had a 20 disposal, one-goal game to open the season as the Bulldogs got crushed by .[49] Dale contributed to a 21-point Bulldog win over in round 3, kicking two goals to help them get over the line.[50] He also played a vital part in getting the Bulldogs across the line in round 8 against, kicking a goal and setting Marcus Bontempelli up with another to win the game,[51] alongside his 24 disposals.[52] Dale played his last senior game in round 10 in late May, suffering a low grade stress foot injury.[53] Unfortunately for Dale, his injury got progressively worse, after the Bulldogs opted for surgery in order to repair his navicular bone, ending his 2018 season prematurely.[54]

Dale had a breakout 2019 season despite only playing 10 games. He came back into the team in round 10,[55] but was kept ineffective, with just 12 disposals and no goals.[56] He had a better game the following round, kicking a goal and totalling 21 disposals,[57] but a four-disposal game in round 13 saw him omitted from the team yet again.[58] However, Dale's fortunes turned in round 18, when he was brought back into the team to play against . This was his breakout game, kicking five goals in the eventual 27-point loss to be one of the team's best players,[59] and secure a Brownlow Medal vote.[60] From there, he would become one of the in-form players of the competition, kicking 20 goals in the last six rounds of the home-and-away season.[61] He followed up his five-goal performance with four goals the following week, and was again named in the team's most valuable players.[62] Dale kicked three goals in the 104-point victory over in round 21, and was yet again named in the team's best.[63] After kicking two goals against in the penultimate round of the season, Dale had another career-best performance, booting another five goals against to close out the home-and-away season.[64] He received nine coaches votes[65] and one Brownlow vote for his performance.[60] In September 2019, Dale signed a three-year contract extension to remain at the Western Bulldogs until at least the end of 2022.[66] [67]

Despite his impressive form in the second half of the 2019 season, the 2020 AFL season would be yet another inconsistent one for Dale, who played only nine games before being dropped out of the team. He started the season with some of the lowest numbers of his career, gaining just six and nine disposals in the first two rounds respectively, and returning no goals.[68] [69] Dale was put on report for spoil that hurt player Robbie Fox in round 4.[70] However, the contact from Dale was deemed legal, and he played the next week, kicking a goal against .[71] He kicked a goal each game for the remainder of the games he played throughout the season. After the team's victory over in round 7, Dale then was taken out of the team due to an ankle injury.[72] He had to wait until round 11 to be brought back into the senior side.[73] Despite kicking two goals from two games in rounds 11 and 12, he was omitted from the team,[74] and did not return for the remainder of the season.

2021–present: Switch to defence

The 2021 AFL season was an extraordinary one for Dale, who went from struggling in the forward-line to becoming an All-Australian defender. He worked on his fitness early in the pre-season with hard-running teammate Lachie Hunter.[75] While Dale started the early pre-season up forward, he made a move down to the half-back flank in the team's 2021 AAMI Community Series win over .[76] Despite only having 16 disposals in the opening game of the season, this was to be his lowest number of disposals in a game that year, as he quickly settled into his new role. He had 23 disposals, 2 goals and 2 rebound 50s in the Bulldogs' biggest win in their club history against, showcasing his talent as a running half-back.[77] In April, he was named by Champion Data as the most accurate kick of the football in the entire league, ranked 19.1 percent above the AFL average.[78] He was named in the team's best in their round 6 win over,[79] and followed up this performance with arguably a team-best performance the next week, tallying 27 disposals, five intercepts and 636 metres gained,[80] as well as 11 rebound 50s.[81] Dale was again named as one of the best performing Bulldogs players in a 111-point smashing of St Kilda in round 10, kicking 2 goals and collecting 34 disposals, the latter a career record.[82] His form across the half-back line impressed enough that some began suggesting Dale's inclusion in the 2021 All-Australian team.[83] [84] it was also reported that Dale's influence on the team in his half-back role had made them a more threatening premiership team, after he only dropped below 20 disposals and 580 metres gained once past round 3.[85] Round 16 saw Dale kick 2 goals and have 23 disposals to again get the bulldogs to first place on the ladder with a win over .[86] A 1-goal, 31 disposal performance in round 20 against saw him receive 10 coaches votes[87] and get named as best on ground by the media.[88] [89] Following the conclusion of the home-and-away season, Dale was announced as part of the 2021 All-Australian team, his maiden blazer.[90] [91] [92]

Statistics

Statistics are correct to the end of round 23, 2021[93]

|- style="background-color: #EAEAEA"! scope="row" style="text-align:center" | 2015|| 31 || 10 || 6 || 4 || 42 || 36 || 78 || 15 || 14 || 0.6 || 0.4 || 4.2 || 3.6 || 7.8 || 1.5 || 1.4|-! scope="row" style="text-align:center" | 2016|| 31 || 4 || 3 || 4 || 23 || 30 || 53 || 14 || 7 || 0.8 || 1.0 || 5.8 || 7.5 || 13.3 || 3.5 || 1.8|- style="background-color: #EAEAEA"! scope="row" style="text-align:center" | 2017|| 31 || 16 || 17 || 7 || 164 || 112 || 276 || 51 || 31 || 1.1 || 0.4 || 10.3 || 7.0 || 17.3 || 3.2 || 1.9|-! scope="row" style="text-align:center" | 2018|| 31 || 10 || 6 || 10 || 89 || 66 || 155 || 39 || 10 || 0.6 || 1.0 || 8.9 || 6.6 || 15.5 || 3.9 || 1.0|- style="background-color: #EAEAEA"! scope="row" style="text-align:center" | 2019|| 31 || 10 || 21 || 11 || 77 || 50 || 127 || 39 || 19 || 2.1 || 1.1 || 7.7 || 5.0 || 12.7 || 3.9 || 1.9|-! scope="row" style="text-align:center" | 2020|| 31 || 9 || 7 || 3 || 48 || 35 || 83 || 20 || 13 || 0.8 || 0.3 || 5.3 || 3.9 || 9.2 || 2.2 || 1.4|- style="background-color: #EAEAEA"! scope="row" style="text-align:center" | 2021|| 31 || 22 || 9 || 0 || 381 || 158 || 539 || 84 || 23 || 0.4 || 0.0 || 17.3 || 7.2 || 24.5 || 3.8 || 1.1|- class="sortbottom"! colspan=3| Career! 81! 69! 39! 824! 487! 1311! 262! 117! 0.9! 0.5! 10.2! 6.0! 16.2! 3.2! 1.4|}

Notes

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Bailey Dale. westernbulldogs.com.au. 14 November 2021. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20211114010202/https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/players/1053/bailey-dale. 14 November 2021.
  2. Web site: Home kennel for Dale. 8 December 2014. dandenong.starcommunity.com.au. 7 August 2021. Potter. Jarrod.
  3. Web site: Pocket Profile: Bailey Dale. westernbulldogs.com.au. 7 August 2021. 9 August 2017.
  4. Web site: No room to slip as Bailey Dale’s Bulldogs head into clash for top spot. Ryan. Peter. 28 August 2021. The Age. 23 July 2021.
  5. Web site: Edithvale-Aspendale Junior Football Club has produced two more draftees, Tom Lamb and Bailey Dale. 28 November 2014. Mordialloc Chelsea Leader. Herald Sun. 31 May 2021.
  6. Web site: Dale looks to future. 10 April 2015. 31 May 2021. westernbulldogs.com.au.
  7. Web site: Up hill and down Dale, Bailey shows his talent. 17 May 2015. Davidson. Ryan. 31 May 2021.
  8. Web site: TAC Cup wrap: Round eight. Williams. Peter. Aussie Rules Draft Central. 7 August 2021. 3 June 2014.
  9. Web site: TAC Cup wrap: Round six. 6 May 2014. Aussie Rules Draft Central. 7 August 2021. Williams. Peter.
  10. Web site: TAC Cup wrap: Round 10. 17 June 2014. Williams. Peter. 7 August 2021. Aussie Rules Draft Central.
  11. Web site: TAC Cup round 13 Review. 11 July 2014. Aussie Rules Draft Central. Williams. Peter.
  12. Web site: TAC Cup finals preview: Dandenong Stingrays. Williams. Peter. 7 August 2021. 29 August 2014. Aussie Rules Draft Central.
  13. Web site: Bailey Dale. Dandenong Stingrays. 7 August 2021.
  14. Web site: Focus on '14: Bailey Dale Season Review. westernbulldogs.com.au. 7 August 2021. 16 January 2015.
  15. Web site: Luke McAlister’s November Phantom Draft. 10 November 2014. Aussie Rules Draft Central. Williams. Peter. 30 August 2021.
  16. Web site: The Phantom Draft with Callum Twomey. Twomey. Callum. AFL Media. 30 August 2021. 25 November 2014.
  17. Web site: Pick 45 - Bailey Dale. 27 November 2014. 31 May 2021. westernbulldogs.com.au.
  18. Web site: AFL draft 2014: the final selection order. 27 November 2014. 31 May 2021. The Age.
  19. Web site: Dale delights on debut. 28 October 2015. 7 August 2021. westernbulldogs.com.au.
  20. Web site: Final teams: Dale to debut. westernbulldogs.com.au. 7 August 2021. 15 May 2015.
  21. Web site: Western Bulldogs vs Fremantle - Player Stats. afltables.com. 7 August 2021.
  22. Web site: AFL Teams Round 14, 2015: Gary Ablett back, Darcy Moore to debut. Fox Sports. 7 August 2021. 3 July 2015.
  23. Web site: Ferocious Dogs bully Pies for crucial win. AFL Media. 7 August 2021. 26 July 2015. Schmook. Nathan.
  24. Web site: Western bulldogs vs Collingwood - Player Stats. afltables.com. 7 August 2021.
  25. Web site: Talented young Bulldog pair ink new deals. Davidson. Ryan. AFL Media. 18 September 2015. 7 August 2021.
  26. Web site: Bulked up Bailey set for big things. 20 January 2016. westernbulldogs.com.au. 11 August 2021.
  27. Web site: Bailey Dale bags seven in Footscray's demolition of Werribee. 1 April 2016. 11 August 2021. westernbulldogs.com.au.
  28. Web site: Round 5 AFL teams: All the ins and outs as they’re announced live. Elliott. Josh. The Roar. 10 August 2021. 21 April 2016.
  29. Web site: Western Bulldogs vs Brisbane Lions - Player Stats. afltables.com. 10 August 2021.
  30. Web site: AFL Teams Round 9: All of the ins and outs this weekend, SuperCoach late changes, injuries. 20 May 2016. Fox Sports. 11 August 2021.
  31. Web site: Season review: Bailey Dale. 1 November 2016. 11 August 2021. westernbulldogs.com.au.
  32. Web site: VFL grand final 2016: Casey Scorpions and Footscray set for their biggest battle. Diamond. Brent. The Age. 11 August 2021. 24 September 2016.
  33. Web site: VFL Wrap: Round 21. 30 August 2021. 11 August 2021. westernbulldogs.com.au.
  34. Web site: VFL Wrap: Preliminary Final. westernbulldogs.com.au. 11 August 2021. 20 September 2016.
  35. Web site: VFL finals 2016: Bulldogs annihilate Collingwood to earn place in grand final. The Age. 17 September 2016. 11 August 2021. Diamond. Brent.
  36. Web site: Second VFL flag in three seasons for Footscray. brimbanknorthwest.starweekly.com.au. 11 August 2021. 26 September 2016.
  37. Web site: Match report: Rivalry grows as Giants win a classic. AFL Media. 12 August 2021. 29 April 2017.
  38. Web site: Greater Western Sydney vs Western Bulldogs - Players Stats. afltables.com. 12 August 2021.
  39. Web site: AFL Teams Round 7: Full squads for every game, ins and outs, injuries, suspensions and team news. 5 May 2017. Fox Sports. 12 August 2021.
  40. Web site: Western Bulldogs vs St Kilda - Player Stats. afltables.com. 12 August 2021.
  41. Web site: Match report: Stringer stars as Dogs waltz home. Twomey. Callum. 12 August 2021. 27 May 2021. AFL Media.
  42. Web site: Match report: Bulldogs rediscover their mojo. 16 July 2017. Bowen. Nick. AFL Media. 13 August 2021.
  43. Web site: Dale’s new deal. westernbulldogs.com.au. 12 August 2021. 17 August 2017.
  44. Web site: Match report: Inspired Port leave Dogs on brink. AFL Media. Ryan. Peter. 13 August 2021. 19 August 2017.
  45. Web site: Team of the week, R22: Did we get it right?. Phelan. Jennifer. AFL Media. 13 August 2021. 22 August 2017.
  46. Web site: The best according to.... westernbulldogs.com.au. 13 August 2021. 19 August 2017.
  47. Web site: Bontempelli crowned Sutton Medallist. 5 October 2017. 13 August 2021. westernbulldogs.com.au.
  48. Web site: Season Review: Bailey Dale. 10 October 2017. 13 August 2021. westernbulldogs.com.au.
  49. Web site: Greater Western Sydney. afltables.com. 13 August 2021.
  50. Web site: Match report: Spirited Dogs shock Dons. Twomey. Callum. 13 August 2021. 8 April 2018. AFL Media.
  51. Web site: Match report: Dogs notch third-straight win. McGowan. Marc. 13 August 2021. 13 May 2018. AFL Media.
  52. Web site: Brisbane vs Western Bulldogs - Player Stats. afltables.com. 13 August 2021.
  53. Web site: Dale grounded by foot injury. 29 May 2018. 13 August 2021. westernbulldogs.com.au.
  54. Web site: Medical update: Luckless Lin sidelined; Bailey’s season over. 2 July 2018. Daniel. Troy. westernbulldogs.com.au.
  55. Web site: TEAM NEWS - Dogs swing the changes. 23 May 2019. 18 August 2019. westernbulldogs.com.au.
  56. Web site: Western Bulldogs vs North melbourne - Player Stats. afltables.com. 18 August 2021.
  57. Web site: Western Bulldogs vs West Coast - Player Stats. afltables.com.au. 18 August 2021.
  58. Web site: AFL Teams, Round 14 2019: Full squads, team line-ups, benches, emergencies, SuperCoach news, debuts. 20 June 2019. Fox Sports. 18 August 2021.
  59. Web site: Saints soar under Ratten as Dogs' finals hopes fade. AFL Media. 21 July 2019. Beveridge. Riley. 18 August 2021.
  60. Web site: Brownlow Tracker: Every vote from every game in 2019 as Nat Fyfe pips Patrick Dangerfield. 24 September 2019. Fox Sports. 19 August 2019.
  61. Web site: Dogs secure forward with three-year contract extension. Canil. Jourdan. 18 August 2021. AFL Media.
  62. Web site: Dogs destroy Dockers to stay in touch with top eight. McGowan. Marc. 28 July 2019. 18 August 2021. AFL Media.
  63. Web site: Dogs pile on 21 goals in a row to slaughter Bombers. AFL Media. Beveridge. Riley. 19 August 2021. 10 August 2021.
  64. Web site: Final destination: Dogs crush Crows to book September showdown. McGowan. Marc. AFL Media. 25 August 2019. 19 August 2021.
  65. Web site: AFLCA Champion Player of the Year Award. aflcoaches.com.au. 19 August 2021.
  66. Web site: Sumeya. Ilanbey. Three-year deal for Bulldog Bailey Dale. The Age. 5 September 2019. 29 September 2019.
  67. Web site: AFL finals 2019: Bailey Dale signs new Western Bulldogs contract after sensational six-week form patch. Waterworth. Ben. Fox Sports. 19 August 2021. 5 September 2019.
  68. Web site: Western Bulldogs vs Collingwood - Player Stats. afltables.com. 27 August 2021.
  69. Web site: St Kilda vs Western Bulldogs - Player Stats. afltables.com. 27 August 2021.
  70. Web site: Bont brilliance helps Bulldogs sink impotent Swans. AFL Media. 27 August 2021. 25 June 2020. Cleary. Mitch.
  71. Web site: Bruce Almighty: Recruit kicks six to lead Dogs in big win over Roos. McGowan. Marc. AFL Media. 27 August 2021. 4 July 2020.
  72. Web site: TEAM NEWS - Round 8. 22 July 2020. westernbulldogs.com.au. 27 August 2021.
  73. Web site: AFL Round 11 Teams: Bombers star rested for crunch clash as Suns debut another young gun. Laughton. Max. 27 August 2021. Fox Sports. 11 August 2020.
  74. Web site: TEAM NEWS - Round 13. 21 August 2020. westernbulldogs.com.au. 27 August 2021.
  75. Web site: Determined Dale sets sights on 2021. 28 January 2021. westernbulldogs.com.au. 28 August 2021.
  76. Web site: Dale at home in defence. westernbulldogs.com.au. 28 August 2021. 16 June 2021.
  77. Web site: North Melbourne vs Western Bulldogs - Player Stats. afltables.com. 28 August 2021.
  78. Web site: Pure Footy: David King and Daniel Hoyne reveal the AFL’s best and worst kicks. Herald Sun. 28 August 2021. 20 April 2021.
  79. Web site: Injuries galore as Dogs break Giant shackles late to stay perfect. Pegan. Martin. AFL Media. 28 August 2021. 23 April 2021.
  80. Web site: Still the team to beat: Injury-hit Tigers end Dogs' undefeated streak. Beveridge. Riley. 28 August 2021. 30 April 2021. AFL Media.
  81. Web site: Richmond vs Western Bulldogs - Player Stats. afltables.com.
  82. Web site: Dominant Bulldogs march over Saints. The Age. 22 May 2021. Leonard. Owen. 28 August 2021.
  83. Web site: Dogs maul Saints, but Treloar injury sours win. Twomey. Callum. 28 August 2021. 22 May 2021. AFL Media.
  84. Web site: The chance pre-season switch that sparked Dog‘s AA-worthy year. Lerner. Ronny. 28 August 2021. 6 August 2021. Fox Sports.
  85. Web site: How Bailey Dale Helped Turn The Bulldogs Into A Premiership Threat. Panopoulos. Dem. 7 July 2021. 28 August 2021. statsinsider.com.au.
  86. Web site: Best in show: Win over Roos takes Dogs to top spot. 4 July 2021. 28 August 2021. AFL Media. Healy. Jonathan.
  87. Web site: Dale dominates with perfect 10. 2 August 2021. westernbulldogs.com.au. 28 August 2021.
  88. Web site: Ballarat belting: Dogs blow Crows away to consolidate top spot. 31 July 2021. Healy. Jonathan. AFL Media. 28 August 2021.
  89. Web site: Forwards bust 90’s myth; Tex’s fairytale Coleman dealt blow by revamped Dog: 3-2-1. Cotton. Ben. Fox Sports. 28 August 2021. 1 August 2021.
  90. Web site: Demons dominate All-Australian side with Max Gawn skipper, Luke Jackson wins Rising Star award. The Age. 28 August 2021. Colangelo. Anthony. 26 August 2021.
  91. Web site: Five Demons, 11 first-timers in All-Australian team. 26 August 2021. Zaia. Alex. sen.com.au. 28 August 2021.
  92. Web site: Melbourne dominates AFL All-Australian team, Max Gawn named captain. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 26 August 2021. Ross. James. 28 August 2021.
  93. Web site: Bailey Dale. afltables.com. 22 May 2021.