On the move: Bailey Smith requests trade from Western Bulldogs

Western Bulldogs star Bailey Smith will have a new club in 2025 after requesting a trade from the club.

Smith, 23, and his management informed the Bulldogs of their intentions on Monday.

Wanting a new home: Western Bulldogs star Bailey Smith.Credit: AFL Photos

In a statement, the Bulldogs said Smith, whose future has been a public talking point for the past year, had yet to nominate his preferred club.

As reported by this masthead, Smith is likely to land at Geelong, but he has also been courted by Hawthorn. Now the hard-running midfielder has declared his intentions, other clubs may circle.

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“Given Bailey’s immense talent, age and proven ability to influence games, the club will work diligently to ensure it is fairly compensated throughout the process,” the Bulldogs said in a statement.

The Cats will have a late first-round pick to help secure a deal.

Smith, who is off contract, has made it clear he wants to play as a frontline midfielder, having been used on a wing or as high half-forward before he ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee in the pre-season and missed the entire 2024 campaign.

The Cats, who have an ageing midfield, including Patrick Dangerfield, 34, Mitch Duncan 33 and Cam Guthrie 32, will offer him that opportunity.

Smith, a fan favourite on social media, is an ambassador for the clothing retail giant Cotton On, a key Geelong sponsor.

He was the No.7 overall selection in the 2018 national draft, and played 103 games for the Bulldogs.

More to come

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