SEN’s Sam Edmund is exclusively reporting that Geelong have had meaningful conversations about trading for Western Bulldogs midfielder Bailey Smith.
Smith has been in the spotlight across recent weeks due to a downturn in form with the former No.7 draft pick seeing his numbers dip in 2023.
While Smith isn’t currently playing at his best, Edmund says the Cats are interested in recruiting the hard-runner down the highway and have been keen on his services for some time.
“With Bailey Smith, I know there's been a bit said around this player in recent times,” Edmund said on SEN Afternoons.
“A lot of it has been prompted by an unfortunate downturn in form.
“His position and all sorts of opinions and theories have been floated off the back of that - what should and shouldn't be done with Bailey Smith.
“I don't want that to cloud what I'm about to say - which has been fact now for a while, certainly since well before Smith's form dip.
“That is that Geelong have had meaningful conversations about trading for Bailey Smith.
“The Cats are interested in bringing Smith down to GMHBA Stadium and in fact, they've been workshopping it behind the scenes for some time.”
While Geelong have contacted Smith’s management, Edmund says effectively every club also have in recent weeks.
Despite the additional interest, Edmund believes Geelong's targeting of Smith is noteworthy given their track record in recruiting players from rival clubs.
“Geelong have contacted Smith's management, but I need to say in the last week or so, probably 16 clubs have done the same, reached out and inquired,” Edmund said.
“But for mine, Geelong’s track record in this space is very solid, we know that.
“When they set their sights on a player and lock in, history says they sell the vision and you know what I'm going to say next, the lifestyle, better than most.
“They had considered Darcy Parish, but all signs now point to him staying at Essendon.”
Edmund also mentioned that Smith was unwell in his down performance in last Friday’s loss to Collingwood and that the Dogs will want to keep him beyond his current contract which runs out at the end of next season.
“Smith's contracted at the Whitten Oval until 2024,” Edmund said.
“But really, if he plays half-forward for the next 18 months, you don't need to be a rocket scientist to understand he's a chance to leave.
“He was sick against Collingwood, I'm told, and really probably shouldn't have played, playing half-forward with Jamarra (Ugle-Hagan) and Aaron Naughton marking everything wouldn't have been an easy task.
“He didn't train yesterday (Tuesday), he’s in bed sick today and he won't play the Swans tomorrow (Thursday) night.
“He's had some injury issues that Luke Beveridge has mentioned.
“It's a watch for now, just in terms of his direction.
“I haven't mentioned it until now because it appeared a long way down the road.
“But in light of recent events and the plethora of registered interest from other clubs in recent days and weeks, I thought it was time that we brought it to light.
“The Dogs need him, they desperately want to keep him, but it's a watch going forward.”