Bailey Smith’s blockbuster call after snubbing Dogs’ awards night

One of the worst kept secrets in the AFL has been officially confirmed just hours after Bailey Smith turned his back on his old club.

Bailey Smith has officially confirmed he wants to be a Cat.

The Western Bulldogs midfielder has long been linked with a move to Geelong, on Wednesday however his intentions were made formal.

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“Bailey Smith has officially requested a trade to Geelong,” AFL journalist Cal Twomey wrote on X.

“Long been on the cards, but now formally the 23-year-old midfielder has informed the Dogs of his intention to be traded to the Cats.”

Smith’s decision came just hours before the Dogs awards night got underway and also came after the 23-year-old had reportedly turned his back on attending the night.

Despite making it clear where he wants to end up, a trade deal between the two sides isn’t expected to be straightforward.

“The Bailey Smith deal to Geelong will take a while — I think it has stand-off written all over it,” Twomey told AFL Trade Radio on Wednesday afternoon.

Geelong currently holds Pick 15 in the first round, but that selection is set to be pushed back by matched Academy and father-son bids.

Bailey wants to be a Cat.

Smith turned his back on attending the Dogs awards night. Pic: Michael Klein

Smith spoke about his reasons why he wanted to move on from the Bulldogs as he appeared at the EJ Whitten Grand Final Legends Lunch.

“I still love the club, that’s what people forget,” Smith said.

“But there’s a level of when you outgrow a place, or you just need a fresh change for whatever reason.

“I still love them, they’re still my mates. I won’t get too deep into it.

“I feel like I’d be doing myself a disservice for the player I want to become and the person I want to become by staying in the same environment, but we’ll see.”

Smith wants a change of scenery. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)

Smith's Instagram is filled with shirtless snaps.

Along with trying to land Smith, the Cats have also been linked with delisted Carlton forward Jack Martin along with Melbourne star Clayton Oliver.

Oliver met with Geelong officials and players on Wednesday and is said to be seeking a move away from the Demons.

“Clayton Oliver wants to be traded to Geelong,” Sam McClure declared on 3AW airwaves on Wednesday.

Oliver wants out. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

“He left the Cattery — and when I say ‘the Cattery’ I mean Rhys Stanley’s farm — yesterday after a meeting with the premiership ruckman and Geelong’s vice-captain Tom Stewart wanting to be part of Geelong’s next premiership midfield.

“He knows how difficult and complicated a trade could be — particularly because he’s on an average of $1.3 million until the end of 2030 — but he wants to go to Geelong.

“The question is: will Melbourne let him? … Or will they, like they did with Christian Petracca, force him and hold him to his contract?”

The 2024 trade period commences on Monday, October 7.

Originally published as Bailey Smith’s blockbuster call after snubbing Dogs’ awards night