A New Chapter Unfolds: Bailey Smith Joins Geelong
From Bulldogs to Cats: A Fresh Start
Bailey Smith, the talented 23-year-old midfielder, has made the bold move from the Western Bulldogs to Geelong, citing the club’s exceptional work-life balance and warm atmosphere as the driving forces behind his decision. This dramatic shift came to fruition in the final minutes of the AFL’s trade period on Wednesday night, with Geelong surrendering picks 17 and 38 in exchange for Smith and pick 45.
A Club That Cares
Smith, who missed the entire 2024 season due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, was drawn to Geelong’s reputation for nurturing its players and promoting a relaxed lifestyle outside of the intense Melbourne football scene. Under the guidance of premiership coach Chris Scott, the Cats have built a culture that values the well-being of its players, allowing them to thrive both on and off the field.
What Lured Him to Geelong?
While Geelong’s impressive talent pool was certainly a drawcard, Smith confesses that it was the club’s unique approach to life beyond football that truly won him over. “The future’s exciting… but more importantly, it’s the way they go about life and the balance they have, and the people Geelong breeds – that’s what’s drawn me there the most,” he revealed in a club interview.
A Privilege to Join the Cats
As Smith prepares to don the Geelong guernsey, he’s eager to contribute to the team’s already impressive roster. “It’s a privilege to be able to get to know them and hopefully I can add something to what is already an exciting list,” he said. With 103 games under his belt, including a key role in the Bulldogs’ 2021 grand final run, Smith is poised to make a significant impact at his new club.
A Stress-Free Trade Period
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his trade, Smith managed to remain calm and composed, even taking a leisurely stroll in the park as the deal was finalized. “I went for a nice long walk… watching the sunset, which was nice,” he recalled with a chuckle.
Ready to Roll
With his ACL injury now fully healed, Smith is raring to go, planning to relocate to Geelong in November ahead of pre-season training. “I’m fully fit now, so fully ready to go,” he declared. As he embarks on this new chapter, Smith is itching to get started, eager to make his mark on the Geelong football community.
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