Superstar Dog officially requests trade with twist... as front-runner ...
Out-of-contract Western Bulldogs midfielder Bailey Smith has officially requested a trade, the club confirmed on Monday afternoon.
Smith’s name has been engulfed in movement speculation throughout the year, with the 23-year-old sidelined while rehabilitating an ACL injury.
The 103-gamer was chosen by the Dogs with the seventh overall pick of the 2018 national draft.
Watch the best coverage of the 2024 AFL finals, with expert analysis and every game until the Grand Final LIVE with no ad-breaks during play, on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >
IMAGINE WHAT YOU COULD BE BUYING INSTEAD. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
Dejected Bevo details what went wrong | 09:39
Ineligible for free agency this year, the Sandringham Dragons product and his management will work to orchestrate a trade in October.
However, while Smith has been linked to Geelong, Collingwood and Hawthorn as potential destinations, the Bulldogs say the onballer is yet to decide on a club of choice.
The Cats are believed to be the front-runners but their on-field success will make it much harder to get a trade done.
As it stands Geelong will have pick 15 at best - assuming a preliminary final loss - and that’ll drift back based on bids for Academy/NGA players Levi Ashcroft and Sam Marshall (Brisbane), Isaac Kako (Essendon) and Leo Lombard (Gold Coast), plus potential first-round compensation for Josh Battle’s free agency move to the Hawks.
They could even end up with an opening pick in the 20s if they win the flag, which would surely not satisfy the Bulldogs.
“Western Bulldogs midfielder Bailey Smith has informed the club of his desire to seek a trade this off-season,” the club’s statement read.
“The 23-year-old is yet to nominate a preferred club.
“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.”
Smith is a four-time 22under22 team member and averaged 23.5 disposals, 3.6 inside-50s and 3.5 clearances across 19 games in 2023.
The Bulldogs were eliminated from the 2024 finals series by Hawthorn last Friday night after finishing the season sixth on the ladder.
