Western Bulldogs‘ Bailey Smith has always been hot property in the AFL world, but his impressive talents have clubs working hard to see if they can bring him in.
Currently tending to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, which has ruled him out of 2024, Smith has a big decision to make in the coming months, with reports concluding that he’s making his way out of the Kennel.
Collingwood and Geelong have always been linked with the star midfielder, as friends and business partners Nick and Josh Daicos sit firmly in the Pies side while brand Cotton-On, who Smith is an ambassador for, is a sponsor of the Cats.
However, Hawthorn appears as the “wildcard” in this trade scenario given the capability of satisfying the likely draft picks request the Bulldogs are set to ask.
SEE MORE: AFL 2024 Draft Order
Speaking on Fox Footy’s Midweek Tackle, Herald Sun journalist Glenn McFarlane shared his latest intel on the Smith sweepstakes.
“Industry sources will tell you that Geelong has a desire to add that pacy, mature-aged midfielder, and the Surf Coast has got a bit of appeal,” McFarlane said on Tuesday night.
“Collingwood’s long been linked to (Smith), we’ve spoken about it here. Their 2024 draft hand is going to be the biggest concern — that’s why the situation there is drying up a little bit. They’re going to have to give up a future (draft pick).
“I think it’s less likely to be Collingwood now than it is Geelong.
“I wouldn’t rule out Hawthorn in that sense. Hawthorn can get a deal done. Can Collingwood get a deal done? That’s the question mark.”
As it currently sits, the Hawks hold the prized Pick 6 (which could be pushed out due to father-son bids) while Geelong’s Pick 12 could be deemed not enough for Smith’s talents.
The Pies’ first pick in 2024 (as it stands) is 26, given they passed up their future first-round selection for Fremantle’s Lachie Schultz last year.
However, clubs met with the League on Tuesday to discuss a revamp of the current draft system, which included trading picks two years in advance.
The Age’s Michael Gleeson revealed that the new understanding regarding future picks has been given the green light and could come in as soon as this year.