Bailey Smith, a prominent midfielder for the Western Bulldogs, has recently communicated his intention to seek a trade and join a new team for the upcoming 2025 season. The club has confirmed this development, stating that the young star has formally expressed his desire to explore opportunities with other teams. Despite this move, Smith has yet to specify which club he prefers, leaving the market open for various potential suitors.
The Western Bulldogs issued a statement acknowledging Smith’s request and underscoring his considerable talent and impact on the field. The club emphasized that they are committed to securing fair compensation for Smith’s departure, given his proven ability to influence games and his valuable contribution to the team. Smith, who is 23 years old, has been a key player since his debut in 2018 and has demonstrated impressive skill and potential throughout his career.
Smith’s trade request comes after a challenging season where he missed the entire 2024 campaign due to an ACL injury sustained at the end of the previous year. Despite this setback, his performance in the years prior, including four selections to the 22under22 side between 2020 and 2023, highlights his significance and ability as a player. His talent is expected to attract substantial interest from other clubs in the league.
The Western Bulldogs’ decision to part ways with Smith will likely involve substantial negotiations, with any interested parties needing to meet the club’s expectations for a first-round pick or equivalent compensation. Current speculation suggests that both Geelong and Hawthorn could be potential destinations for Smith, though the final decision will depend on their draft picks and strategic plans.
As Geelong and Hawthorn prepare for the November AFL Draft, the exact positioning of their picks remains uncertain. Geelong’s draft position is contingent upon their performance in the upcoming preliminary finals, while Hawthorn’s pick could fall anywhere between 13th and beyond, depending on various factors including Academy and father-son bids. This uncertainty adds an additional layer of complexity to the trade discussions surrounding Smith, making it a key storyline to follow in the lead-up to the 2025 season.