Geelong unveils new jumper numbers for draftees as Bailey Smith to wear famous number three

As Geelong presented it new numbers, Bailey Smith had his jumper presented by a famous No.3. And their chat will help him love footy for the game itself.

Retired champion Tom Hawkins’ number has not been bestowed on any of Geelong’s new draftees as trade recruit Bailey Smith will don the No. 3 guernsey made famous by three Cats greats.

Smith, 23, had been wearing the number three in his first two weeks of training and it was officially confirmed by the club on Thursday night, taking over from delisted premiership player Brandan Parfitt.

Geelong 1963 flag captain and four-time leading goalkicker Fred Wooller, three-time All-Australian Mark Bairstow, Brownlow and Norm Smith medallist Jimmy Bartel have worn the number in the past.

Bailey Smith with Fred Wooller at GMHBA Stadium on Friday. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos

Smith had his jumper presented to him by Wooller at Kardinia Park on Friday and while the honour comes with pressure, he is determined to do the number proud.

“A lot of pride, but certainly a lot of pressure too, which is a good thing,” Smith said.

“You see people like ‘Parf’ most recently, Jimmy Bartel, Fred himself, Mark Bairstow as well, who have donned the jumper

“A couple of premierships there and a bit of success, so I think it is certainly exciting. It is something I want to keep continuing, the tradition of success but also keep trying to do the number justice by doing my best.

His chat with Wooller gave him a welcome dose of perspective. Players still worked full-time in Wooller’s day and the money was miniscule compared to the riches of the modern game.

Smith concedes money and media can complicate things for current players.

“I didn’t actually ask too much about the flag, I asked how the post-game antics were and he was like, ‘nup, straight to work on Monday morning’.

“Just how times have changed and I think it sort of inspires me because they were playing for the love of the jumper and the love of the game where you can get a bit lost in… why you actually first pick up footy and why you want to do your best.

“And it all gets muddled in either money or media type stuff.

“It aspires me to get back to the roots of finding my passion again, which I have, and starting to love the game for the game itself.”

Fellow recruit Jack Martin — who had a baby with partner Britt on Wednesday — had been wearing the No.49 at training but will don the number 19 at his third club.

“Jack has slotted in really well, I know he had a baby (this week) so it has been a busy week for him, but still managing to train and perform as well as we expect him to. He is just an awesome man to talk to, just really relaxed and caring,” Smith said.

While Hawkins’ coveted No.26 will lay vacant in 2025, Geelong’s first 2024 draft selection Jay Polkinghorne will take the No. 2 that Irish VFL/AFL games record holder Zach Tuohy played 168 matches in for the Cats.

Fellow South Australian youngster Jacob Molier, the Cats’ second pick at the draft, will slot into the No. 20 worn by Geelong goalkicking great Steve Johnson.

Bailey Smith in his new number three. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Lenny Hofmann (No. 23), Xavier Ivisic (25), Patrick Retschko (27), Keighton Matofai-Forbes (31), Joe Pike (37) round out the rest of the new numbers for Geelong’s draftees.

Irish Category B rookie Cillian Burke will wear the No. 41.

Hofmann has the electric speed of Geelong’s most recent 23 in premiership Cat Gary Rohan, who was delisted at the end of this season.

The number of delisted free agent Jack Martin — who Smith revealed had a child this week — is set to be announced on Saturday.

Smith is relishing being at the Cats and has settled in well along with the new draftees.

“The boys have been super welcoming, so I have been coming in since a bit before I had to officially be in,” Smith said.

“It doesn’t feel like too much of a big leap and it has just been awesome. So enjoying kicking the footy around again and competing against the other boys.

“I was at the draftees’ house the other night and we had a dinner there so that was fun. They are all settling in really well, all good characters number one, good individuals and I’m sure their footy will do the talking in the coming months.”

Originally published as Geelong unveils new jumper numbers for draftees as Bailey Smith to wear famous number three