Welcome to the Bulldogs: Bailey Smith

[bulldogtragic]

Jon Ralph says we won’t be interested in a single pick as it’s likely around 20. Will demand a lot more. But could have an open mind to adding a player into the trade.

[jeemak]

Bailey will play really well at Geelong as an inside mid. That's the reality of it.

I'm annoyed with him sure, but I also think he wasn't managed particularly well by the coaches over the last couple of seasons and that has contributed to his decision.

Was it really that bad of us to get him playing the best football of his career in an inside to outside midfield role, right up until that point he headbutted someone and got done publicly smashing gear?

We were too homogenous in our CBA mix last year, granted, but it's not like we asked him to play a drastically different role to when he was getting BOGs in finals and averaging 35 touches the following season until the above said issues.

[bornadog]

I also think he wasn't managed particularly well by the coaches over the last couple of seasons and that has contributed to his decision.

How ?

We supported him through snorting drugs, headbutting, his ACL what else does he want. I will tell you, he wants Bonts job but he is not as good, he loves himself and is selfish. TEAM first should be his motto, not Smith first.

Dead to me, **** him.

[bulldogtragic]

How ?

We supported him through snorting drugs, headbutting, his ACL what else does he want. I will tell you, he wants Bonts job but he is not as good, he loves himself and is selfish. TEAM first should be his motto, not Smith first.

Dead to me, **** him.

Remind me not to upset you! A few hours ago you said give him a shitload more money! :D

[mighty_west]

Jon Ralph says we won’t be interested in a single pick as it’s likely around 20. Will demand a lot more. But could have an open mind to adding a player into the trade.

Yeah we need to get other club/s involved and you'd think Sam Power would have known all season what was the most likely scenario with Baz, and as much as Mackie can be a pain in the ass to deal with, let's hope they can work out a deal which can help all parties involved, is it pick 21 and Peatling? pick 21 and O'Driscoll? with shuffles of picks.

[bornadog]

Remind me not to upset you! A few hours ago you said give him a shitload more money! :D

When he was a Bulldog:D

All I was saying was have we tried every angle as he is now what we are trying to replace and will be difficult.

GET BUTTERS NOW

Alot of these moves are due to player managers who are greedy for more commission. Connors is no better than a used car salesman

[bulldogtragic]

Yeah we need to get other club/s involved and you'd think Sam Power would have known all season what was the most likely scenario with Baz, and as much as Mackie can be a pain in the ass to deal with, let's hope they can work out a deal which can help all parties involved, is it pick 21 and Peatling? pick 21 and O'Driscoll? with shuffles of picks.

I’d still rather the first and F1 for F2. Look at draft point trades to get up the order a bit and use them for player trades. I’d rather hold onto three firsts and a heap of cap space then get too complicated. If we bring in other teams Geelong can also try to pressure us by slow walking the trade too. I’d try to isolate this negotiation and pressure Geelong & Bsileys manager with the PSD. I do not trust dealing with Geelong. If they want to add a player of value in of theirs we should listen, but two firsts should be our position with giving a F2 or later back. I think this is a final day trade.

[Grantysghost]

Remind me not to upset you! A few hours ago you said give him a shitload more money! :D
Haha. He's turned!

[mighty_west]

I’d still rather the first and F1 for F2. Look at draft point trades to get up the order a bit and use them for player trades. I’d rather hold onto three firsts and a heap of cap space then get too complicated. If we bring in other teams Geelong can also try to pressure us by slow walking the trade too. I’d try to isolate this negotiation and pressure Geelong & Bsileys manager with the PSD. I do not trust dealing with Geelong. If they want to add a player of value in of theirs we should listen, but two firsts should be our position with giving a F2 or later back. I think this is a final day trade.

That's the issue though, will Geelong budge on 2 first rounders? We kind of have our hands tied somewhat here and dealing with Mackie......2 first rounders would be great, but if we are big on a certain player then it might work out for the club.

[bornadog]

Haha. He's turned!

I have turned on him

[The bulldog tragician]

Remind me not to upset you! A few hours ago you said give him a shitload more money! :D

This made me laugh. There is nothing as ex as an ex-player, I’m with you BAD.

If only we could pick and choose when to support our club, as casually as players change their allegiances. It’s their prerogative, we don’t have to like it though.

And let’s face it the names of Bullgods Libba, Daniel and Macrae are being bandied around as disposable. I hate so much of this time of year even while wanting and accepting our club needs to take further steps forward and that will not be pleasant at all.

[Bullies]

Could we get a player with their 1st round pick someone we could use that isn't getting a game because there is a senior player taking their role.
I don't know anything about the Geelong VFL side but could we get into someone's ear to request a trade. I don't know why we don't target someone we want from the Cats and offer them overs. Someone like Myers who we need and we offer something he can't refuse. Cats wouldn't be able to move with their salary cap. We need to be ruthless like the Cats are. Fight fire with fire.

[bulldogtragic]

That's the issue though, will Geelong budge on 2 first rounders? We kind of have our hands tied somewhat here and dealing with Mackie......2 first rounders would be great, but if we are big on a certain player then it might work out for the club.

If it’s a Geelong player of value it could work. I think that’s what Ralph was saying about satisfying our demands with a player. Honestly, a F1/F2 swap isn’t a huge deal next year I wouldn’t think when it comes to the final hours of the trade period. I’d stick fat with that demand unless they are offering a good player, which is very unlike them to do.

[Danjul]

You do have to question two superstar mids leaving don't you.

If Bevo is so close to the players how does this happen?
This is part of the reason we cannot attract players. It is not a good look when we have high profile players leaving. Why would anyone want to come in?

[bulldogtragic]

I don't know why we don't target someone we want from the Cats and offer them overs. Someone like Myers who we need and we offer something he can't refuse. Cats wouldn't be able to move with their salary cap. We need to be ruthless like the Cats are. Fight fire with fire.

Rumour was we threw the kitchen sink at Holmes earlier this year (apparently a million he turned us down on), I’m assuming knowing Geelong would get Bailey to request a trade to them. Getting a really good one out is going to be hard. I’m not against topping their first up with a player, I’m just skeptical our version of a good player to add is the same as theirs. But it’s worth considering.

[bulldogtragic]

This is part of the reason we cannot attract players. It is not a good look when we have high profile players leaving. Why would anyone want to come in?

This is unfortunately accurate. It does more for attracting/desuading players than new facilities. I mean we couldn’t get anyone from Brisbane to want to leave and I believe there were at least three names we would’ve accepted coming to us. It’s just not a great look.

[GVGjr]

I have turned on him

I doubt I've every seen a bigger turnaround because less than 24 hours ago you suggested we should give him a mega deal to now this

In summary I think Tay Tay says it best to sum up your's and Baileys relationship. :)

Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
We called it off again last night, but
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
This time, I'm telling you, I'm telling you

We are never, ever, ever getting back together
You go talk to your friends, talk to my friends, talk to me
But we are never, ever, ever, ever getting back together
Like, ever

Love your passion BAD and your willingness to pivot.

[Rocket Science]

I have turned on him

https://i.ibb.co/s2cVjcG/1659787435617.jpg (https://ibb.co/6mGWYGx)

[Grantysghost]

I doubt I've every seen a bigger turnaround because less than 24 hours ago you suggested we should give him a mega deal to now this

In summary I think Tay Tay says it best to sum up your's and Baileys relationship. :)

Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
We called it off again last night, but
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
This time, I'm telling you, I'm telling you

We are never, ever, ever getting back together
You go talk to your friends, talk to my friends, talk to me
But we are never, ever, ever, ever getting back together
Like, ever

Love your passion BAD and your willingness to pivot.
I never took you for a Tay Tay fan G!

[GVGjr]

I never took you for a Tay Tay fan G!

It's all about Blue Grass music in the tent.

[jazzadogs]

I never took you for a Tay Tay fan G!

He's in his folklore era.

[angelopetraglia]

I doubt I've every seen a bigger turnaround because less than 24 hours ago you suggested we should give him a mega deal to now this

In summary I think Tay Tay says it best to sum up your's and Baileys relationship. :)

Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
We called it off again last night, but
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
This time, I'm telling you, I'm telling you

We are never, ever, ever getting back together
You go talk to your friends, talk to my friends, talk to me
But we are never, ever, ever, ever getting back together
Like, ever

Love your passion BAD and your willingness to pivot.

This has to be in contention for the greatest ever post on WOOF.

[jazzadogs]

I will accept at least two of Geelong 2024 first, Geelong 2025 first, Peatling, NOD, or at least one of Zak Butters.

I like the idea of using the Geelong picks to move up the order for a club looking for points...but I'm not sure there are many doing that this year? GC (6,13,20,26) are already in a few trades of picks e.g. Rioli and Freo (9,10,17,27) will use them.

How can we make the cats picks work for us?

[mjp]

I doubt I've every seen a bigger turnaround because less than 24 hours ago you suggested we should give him a mega deal to now this

In summary I think Tay Tay says it best to sum up your's and Baileys relationship. :)

Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
We called it off again last night, but
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
This time, I'm telling you, I'm telling you

We are never, ever, ever getting back together
You go talk to your friends, talk to my friends, talk to me
But we are never, ever, ever, ever getting back together
Like, ever

Love your passion BAD and your willingness to pivot.

OK. Given that I adopted Taylor a little more than 15-years ago as a way of connecting with my (now 26 year old) daughter (we flew to Melbourne together to see her earlier this year - a trip that rivalled the trip we also took together to see the premiership in 2016 for meaning) I think you have the right ARTIST but the wrong song for a break-up lyric G.

The perfect T-Swizzle song for this is not "We are never (ever) getting back together" - although it is certainly an epic breakup song. The right song for this moment in time is - Better Man.

This is a bit more obscure I guess as it is a "From The Vault" selection from the "Taylor's Version" re-release of "Red". But true fans know - we would STILL be in love if only you - Bailey - could have been a BETTER MAN.

Sometimes, in the middle of the night, I can feel you again
(We might still be in love, if you were a better man)
But I just miss you, and I just wish you were a better man
I know why we had to say goodbye
Like the back of my hand
But I just miss you and I just wish you were a better man
A better man
We might still be in love, if you were a better man
You would've been the one
If you were a better man

[mjp]

OK. Given that I adopted Taylor a little more than 15-years ago as a way of connecting with my (now 26 year old) daughter (we flew to Melbourne together to see her earlier this year - a trip that rivalled the trip we also took together to see the premiership in 2016 for meaning) I think you have the right ARTIST but the wrong song for a break-up lyric G.


I like quoting myself - but I am (as ever) waiting for TwoDogs to swoop in and suggest that you had the wrong artist AND the wrong song...and the more appropriate selection would have been "Don't want to know that you are lonely" by Husker Du .... there is a lot more 'Seeya, wouldn't want to be-ya' sentiment in that lyric...

I mean, "the phone is ringing and the clock says 3am....if it's your friends then I don't wanta talk to them...."

[jeemak]

So which stage of grief best categorises all this then..........?

[bornadog]

I doubt I've every seen a bigger turnaround because less than 24 hours ago you suggested we should give him a mega deal to now this

In summary I think Tay Tay says it best to sum up your's and Baileys relationship. :)

Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
We called it off again last night, but
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
This time, I'm telling you, I'm telling you

We are never, ever, ever getting back together
You go talk to your friends, talk to my friends, talk to me
But we are never, ever, ever, ever getting back together
Like, ever

Love your passion BAD and your willingness to pivot.

I will back anyone in the RWB until they are not in the RWB.:D

[hujsh]

I'm sure a few of us would also be backflipping if somehow it was announced he had re-signed.

[FrediKanoute]

OK. Given that I adopted Taylor a little more than 15-years ago as a way of connecting with my (now 26 year old) daughter (we flew to Melbourne together to see her earlier this year - a trip that rivalled the trip we also took together to see the premiership in 2016 for meaning) I think you have the right ARTIST but the wrong song for a break-up lyric G.

The perfect T-Swizzle song for this is not "We are never (ever) getting back together" - although it is certainly an epic breakup song. The right song for this moment in time is - Better Man.

This is a bit more obscure I guess as it is a "From The Vault" selection from the "Taylor's Version" re-release of "Red". But true fans know - we would STILL be in love if only you - Bailey - could have been a BETTER MAN.

Sometimes, in the middle of the night, I can feel you again
(We might still be in love, if you were a better man)
But I just miss you, and I just wish you were a better man
I know why we had to say goodbye
Like the back of my hand
But I just miss you and I just wish you were a better man
A better man
We might still be in love, if you were a better man
You would've been the one
If you were a better man

When you said "better Man" I immediately went the Pearl Jam son of the same name........

[jeemak]

When you said "better Man" I immediately went the Pearl Jam son of the same name........

I let him go with it, but thought the same. Good to see him break the shackles a bit.

[mjp]

When you said "better Man" I immediately went the Pearl Jam son of the same name........

Sadly, Pearly Jam suck.

Yep - happy to die on that island.

[Bullies]

So there is no backlash the club should ask Members if they are happy to let Smith walk to the draft if they get screwed over by Geelong. We need to stop being bent over by larger clubs and the AFL.

[Grantysghost]

So there is no backlash the club should ask Members if they are happy to let Smith walk to the draft if they get screwed over by Geelong. We need to stop being bent over by larger clubs and the AFL.
I don't think it helps anything.

It may in fact just make us less attractive to players.

I'm more interested in why two young star mids have felt the need to leave. That's where we need to work hard and make a stand to find out why.

[bulldogtragic]

I don't think it helps anything.

It may in fact just make us less attractive to players.

I'm more interested in why two young star mids have felt the need to leave. That's where we need to work hard and make a stand to find out why.

Agree we should try to understand why guys at this level are leaving. But rolling over for a horrible deal sets a precedent about dealing with us. Last go the board let the media know we were prepared to walk Dunkley to the PSD. The deal wasn’t great, but in the end was not pitchfork type. If Geelong come to the party with a similar deal, we will take our medicine. But if they try to strong arm us we need to make a stand. Even if it hits us now, it’s I think better in the long run. Power pissed Dunkley’s manager off by pushing for every last bit of the trade and forced him to lean on the Lions. If we genuinely make everyone believe we will walk him to the PSD then Smith’s manager will have to put pressure on Geelong to not screw him out of Bailey’s commission. I hope the club just doesn’t talk tough, but draws the line in the sand with exiting players and clubs trying to screw us. AND. Understands why these guys are leaving.

[Grantysghost]

Sadly, Pearly Jam suck.

Yep - happy to die on that island.
Hey matt Cameron!

Evolution is the best video.

They aren't on the nirvana, mudhoney, sound garden level of Seattle bands for mine but still part of my go to list.


https://youtu.be/aDaOgu2CQtI?si=R55mVjAQQQNNaa7w

[chef]

Pearl Jams latest album is really good for a bunch of old dudes.

[chef]

I pretty gutted he's going after letting it sink in.

Another mid coming into his prime leaving, none of their good players would want to come here in a trade and we'll end accepting a shit deal in the end after talking tough all week.

Deja vu.

[GVGjr]

So there is no backlash the club should ask Members if they are happy to let Smith walk to the draft if they get screwed over by Geelong. We need to stop being bent over by larger clubs and the AFL.

We simply can't have members making decisions like that. Confident that we will make the best deal we can in the interest of the club and that might mean walking Smith to the PSD.

[dukedog]

It really won't matter at the end of the day. If we trade him and get unders. media will say we got screwed. If we walk him to the pre season draft. Media will say we got nothing for him. I doubt media will be saying. Good on the dogs for taking a stand.
I think best option is to get creative and involve multiple clubs to extract what we want. Player or Pick.

[Grantysghost]

We simply can't have members making decisions like that. Confident that we will make the best deal we can in the interest of the club and that might mean walking Smith to the PSD.

You don't honestly believe that do you G?

I can't see any benefit from doing this. Would we rather keep a player that clearly doesn't want to be there so he can sulk around and destabilise the group?

It doesn't set a precedent of worth.

Let's get the best deal possible, and move on.

It sucks not gonna lie. The Dunkley deal sucked, the Lions gave up nothing really and gained a key component.

But - we need to work out a way to keep these guys happy enough to want to stay. That's the issue.

Maybe it was just two guys who were always going to look around for Broadway lights who knows.

[Go_Dogs]

I’ve been sitting in it and where I’m landing is:

Bailey Smith is the exact player Geelong need. It’s very similar to getting Dangerfield (who admittedly had more runs on the board as an inside burst midfielder and was a better citizen) but the sme type of player and absolutely the bloke who’ll replace Dangerfield.

We hold the cards here to the extent we played all of 2024 without him and while I don’t think we’d go this way, we could genuinely walk him to the PSD and not lose much if it means saving face. The counter to this is being a good club and helping a player get to where they want, but I suspect this applies a bit less to Bailey given history.

What should we aim for? Well a pick in the late first round is better than we have at the moment, so let’s get one of those and then, let’s target a player who can help us. I haven’t studied the Cats list enough to know who that may be, but we’ll likely get 2 more weeks of viewing them to decide.

I’m glad it’s done now and whatever unrealistic glimmer of hope we’d convince him to stay is gone.

[bornadog]

It really won't matter at the end of the day. If we trade him and get unders. media will say we got screwed. If we walk him to the pre season draft. Media will say we got nothing for him. I doubt media will be saying. Good on the dogs for taking a stand.
I think best option is to get creative and involve multiple clubs to extract what we want. Player or Pick.
It's not about the media, it's about sending a message to players that want to walk out ie, if we don't get a good deal, you are playing for the bottom team. Mind you it will never happen, the club will try and get the best they can

[Hotdog60]

When he told us he wanted to be traded we should have said to tell his manager to give us a fair deal or you will be playing either Richmond or North next year. Get in early so he's management know we will play hard ball.
Then it's up to them if they want to call our bluff.

[bulldogtragic]

Tom Morris also saying Dogs expect more than the Geelong 1st and that the offer to Smith is 5+ years.

If they’re offering those years on good coin it’s completely disingenuous to the player and negotiations to not meet the low bar of BS & F2 for their first and F1. Which could be just two picks around 20, while getting something around 30-35 back.

[bornadog]

Have the Bulldogs "forfeited" their right to play hard-ball in a Bailey Smith trade? (https://www.sen.com.au/news/2024/09/09/have-the-bulldogs-forfeited-their-right-to-play-hard-ball-in-a-bailey-smith/)

Garry Lyon wonders if the Bulldogs will simply have to accept whatever the Cats send their way in a trade for midfielder Bailey Smith.

After months of speculation, Smith officially requested a trade on Monday ? though a destination was not mentioned.

Geelong has been seen as the landing spot for the 23-year-old since Sam Edmund reported in July of 2023 that club and player were having meaningful conversations.

The Bulldogs are reportedly unwilling to accept the Cats? first-round pick as compensation for Smith, as Edmund explained on Tuesday.

?It will get done, but the time for tough talk starts now. Geelong?s first round pick, it isn?t ideal. It currently sits at pick 16 and depending on their finish to the season it could be 18 and with the father-son and Academy picks, Josh Battle?s compensation, it?s not hard to envisage a scenario where that pick ends up in the 20s,? Edmund told SEN Breakfast.

?The Dogs were saying yesterday that that wouldn?t cut it, but the player is out of contract so there?s little recourse for them.

?So what will it look like at the deadline when the Cats are offering pick 20, take it or leave it.?

Edmund added that Smith isn?t moving to Geelong for a big pay day.

?This isn?t a blockbuster contract by any stretch of the imagination, I?m told. Bailey Smith isn?t leaving for money. Just about every team in the competition could fit him in their salary cap,? he said.

Melbourne great Garry Lyon wonders whether the Bulldogs have any leverage in this situation to play hard ball on trade negotiations.

?What are they going to do? Tell him to go into the pre-season draft and end up at Richmond?? Lyon said.

?The Dogs have forfeited the right to (play hard ball). Bailey needs to turn around and say ?hey, Geelong you have to do the best deal. You?ve got to compensate the Dogs?.?

Smith didn?t feature for the Bulldogs at AFL level in 2024 after tearing his ACL in the pre-season.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

We need to get inventive with other clubs.

Even their 2024 R1 and 2025 R1 would be a poor result. Next years pick will probably be between 17-22 (let's be honest - Geelong probably won't fall down the ladder like we all hope).

For a former pick 7 with his 'marketing profile' and history in September, that isn't a good result. But we won't get a better offer, if we even get it, from Geelong.

So how do we turn that into something better (packaging picks) or how do we involve another club? Fremantle might be a good place to start.

The only silver lining is that BS didn't play at all this year and we arguably didn't miss him / should be able to cover him.

[hujsh]

?The Dogs have forfeited the right to (play hard ball). Bailey needs to turn around and say ?hey, Geelong you have to do the best deal. You?ve got to compensate the Dogs?.?


I don't get it. I'm not feeling great so maybe I'm just slow today but he doesn't explain really why we can't play hardball (cause Geelong's offer isn't huge?) but then says Smith needs to tell Geelong to compensate us well? What?

[Mantis]

We need to get inventive with other clubs.

Even their 2024 R1 and 2025 R1 would be a poor result. Next years pick will probably be between 17-22 (let's be honest - Geelong probably won't fall down the ladder like we all hope).

For a former pick 7 with his 'marketing profile' and history in September, that isn't a good result. But we won't get a better offer, if we even get it, from Geelong.

So how do we turn that into something better (packaging picks) or how do we involve another club? Fremantle might be a good place to start.

The only silver lining is that BS didn't play at all this year and we arguably didn't miss him / should be able to cover him.

We probably didn't, but when our core mids are all 30+ at the start of next year and outside that we have only one proven mid (Richards), it does make you wonder what our midfield will look like in 2-3 years.

Really disappointed that it appears we're forcing Garcia out, so lot of focus comes on Sanders & Gallagher to become something better than B grade midfielders within 2 years.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

We probably didn't, but when our core mids are all 30+ at the start of next year and outside that we have only one proven mid (Richards), it does make you wonder what our midfield will look like in 2-3 years.

Really disappointed that it appears we're forcing Garcia out, so lot of focus comes on Sanders & Gallagher to become something better than B grade midfielders within 2 years.

Yep, definitely makes it an area of focus, but I am not too concerned. This 'star studded' group we've had for years haven't delivered and Smith has been part of that. I recall many games where he was a liability at stoppage / at centre bounce. The loss of Dunkley was far worse.

Mids are always the easiest to find. Bont and Richards is a pretty good platform to build off, hopefully Sanders can add to that.

Like you I am bewildered about Garcia. I don't see Gallagher being a mid and hope we push him to Duryea's role.

Perhaps West will get some mid minutes next year too, we saw him go in for bursts later in the year and I thought he did OK.

[bulldogtragic]

We need to get inventive with other clubs.

Even their 2024 R1 and 2025 R1 would be a poor result. Next years pick will probably be between 17-22 (let's be honest - Geelong probably won't fall down the ladder like we all hope).

For a former pick 7 with his 'marketing profile' and history in September, that isn't a good result. But we won't get a better offer, if we even get it, from Geelong.

So how do we turn that into something better (packaging picks) or how do we involve another club? Fremantle might be a good place to start.

The only silver lining is that BS didn't play at all this year and we arguably didn't miss him / should be able to cover him.

I think if we involve another club that opens up Geelong to stall talks and pressure us into thinking we lose BS & the other club player. I think if we want to trade any of the picks, we should have silos on both trades.

I don’t love BS & F2 for their first & F1, but realistically I can’t see us getting better and we shouldn’t accept any worse. That should be our line in the sand. It’s not a crazy demand, two picks around 20 for BS and 30-35. As you say, that’s assuming Geelong even want to play ball. Their Esava positioning last year was pretty rediculous I thought.

If we then had three tradable firsts in our pocket and heaps of cash, then we could get creative.

[angelopetraglia]

There is such a bias in the media. It is sickening.

There is an undertone building that the smaller clubs are just factories to produce talent to trade or go via free agent to the "big" clubs. "The Bulldogs have no right stop stop Bailey Smith going to a bigger club to the exposure his brand deserves". I'm so over it.

I feel like the AFL is becoming the Premier League or the Serie A where players start at smaller clubs and all the best talent ends up getting to the biggest clubs via osmosis over time. That is the narrative that the media is pushing. A story always involves the up and coming star players going to Collingwood or Sydney, never to the Saints or the Dogs.

[bulldogtragic]

There is such a bias in the media. It is sickening.

There is an undertone building that the smaller clubs are just factories to produce talent to trade or go via free agent to the "big" clubs. "The Bulldogs have no right stop stop Bailey Smith going to a bigger club to the exposure his brand deserves". I'm so over it.

I feel like the AFL is becoming the Premier League or the Serie A where players start at smaller clubs and all the best talent ends up getting to the biggest clubs via osmosis over time. That is the narrative that the media is pushing. A story always involves the up and coming star players going to Collingwood or Sydney, never to the Saints or the Dogs.

Which dickhead said that?

[Ozza]

I am really hoping another club or clubs come hard for him. Hawthorn and Richmond ideally. I really don't like the idea of exclusive dealings with Geelong, where we won't get a great deal done. Geelong don't overpay and/or lose in the off season. Easily the best club at this, and a number of other areas of footy.....frustratingly.

[G-Mo77]

I am really hoping another club or clubs come hard for him. Hawthorn and Richmond ideally. I really don't like the idea of exclusive dealings with Geelong, where we won't get a great deal done. Geelong don't overpay and/or lose in the off season. Easily the best club at this, and a number of other areas of footy.....frustratingly.

It's Geelong the only other outlier is Hawthorn.

[Grantysghost]

I am really hoping another club or clubs come hard for him. Hawthorn and Richmond ideally. I really don't like the idea of exclusive dealings with Geelong, where we won't get a great deal done. Geelong don't overpay and/or lose in the off season. Easily the best club at this, and a number of other areas of footy.....frustratingly.

That would be ideal. I think though most of the work is already done by the time they request a trade. He's well down the path with the Cats.

[Happy Days]

Richmond would be perfect. They’re gonna have a swag of picks and he’s probably immediately their best player so his star ****er appetite would be satisfied. But we all know that it’s not happening.

[Bullies]

There is such a bias in the media. It is sickening.

There is an undertone building that the smaller clubs are just factories to produce talent to trade or go via free agent to the "big" clubs. "The Bulldogs have no right stop stop Bailey Smith going to a bigger club to the exposure his brand deserves". I'm so over it.

I feel like the AFL is becoming the Premier League or the Serie A where players start at smaller clubs and all the best talent ends up getting to the biggest clubs via osmosis over time. That is the narrative that the media is pushing. A story always involves the up and coming star players going to Collingwood or Sydney, never to the Saints or the Dogs. I know a recruiter who worked at Collingwood and he said you will never find the "big" clubs drafting a ruckman with a top pick as they take to long to develop and they can pick the eyes out of the lower clubs when they need one.

[soupman]

Richmond would be perfect. They’re gonna have a swag of picks and he’s probably immediately their best player so his star ****er appetite would be satisfied. But we all know that it’s not happening.

Dangerous road to walk though with them having PSD pick 1

[azabob]

Why is it ok for Bailey Smith to leave for "brand opportunities" but when Christian Petracca wants to leave Melbourne for a bunch of reasons but a top one being "Brand Petracca" he needs to grow up and suck it up.

[Happy Days]

Why is it ok for Bailey Smith to leave for "brand opportunities" but when Christian Petracca wants to leave Melbourne for a bunch of reasons but a top one being "Brand Petracca" he needs to grow up and suck it up.

Why do you reckon?

[Rocket Science]

Gunna just blow some steam off here ...

There are a handful reporting that not only is Geelong most certainly the destination but more curiously adding that their contract offer "isn't actually that much" which dovetails neatly with the sneering agenda of usual suspects that we can't stop good folk wanting to escape the gulag and nor should we, let alone expect appropriate compensation when they bolt. You don't even need to lure them with riches apparently, they just want out because, stoopid Bulldogs.

That aside, this has me revisiting the cynical absurdity of non-disclosure of player salaries in an elite competition that operates with a purportedly strict salary cap in the name of a level playing field. LOL. It's so f**ken provincial man but more pointedly, it must be wholly calculated.

Any rival contract for a player of Smith's on and off-field profile being "not actually that much" should absolutely be the canary in the coal mine on the topic of player poaching and the barely concealed wink-nudge of third party deals employed to that end that make the concept of a salary cap purely performative and for those prepared to game it, optional only.

Which is no doubt why the AFEL remains exceedingly happy to keep player salaries secret lest they court a shitstorm of biblical proportions over the testy issue of competition-wide fairness which for some reason dipshit fans seem to care about, unless it's their club that traditionally does the raiding.

Bravo to the AFLPA who've etched a system that retains supreme leverage in the hands of their members while we navigate an(other) off-season watching another key asset kick us in the jatz before skipping out the door to a place of their choosing while the meeja-scape ruminates on the extent of our helplessness in trying to extract fair value from a suitor receiving industry-wide back pats for fleecing a rival ... Great look for the game.

Making player salaries public - on top of being interesting as hell - would lend long overdue transparency to a salary cap system that'd either be less easy to circumvent, or much simpler to gauge where it might be happening.

Sadly for AFEL HQ however it'd also mean policing a system that underpins their competition with the diligence and conviction they're famous for.

Have some respect for your audience and show fans the money.

Personally, Baz and his cringy rizz can duly f**k off along with his floaters gift wrapped for interceptors of the opposition variety. Run along boy and gorge on all Geetroit's rich nightlife has to offer.

But when a rival knocks - and suggestions are Geelong's been cooking on this for at least 18 months - they shouldn't be able to help themselves to a 23 year old former 7th overall with a hundred games on their resume and marketability up the wazoo for "not actually that much", whether contractually or by way of fair recompense to the idiots who drafted and developed him in the first place, let alone be lauded as geniuses for it while pundits punch down on the Dogs for 'letting it happen'.

[Sedat]

I love the way the media are pushing the "not played in his preferred position" narrative as well as #CoAsTaLLiFeStyLe for the reasons, and burying the obvious lead which is the Cotton On connection. This is Judd-Visy brown paper bags 2024 style, nothing more or less.

[dukedog]

It's not about the media, it's about sending a message to players that want to walk out ie, if we don't get a good deal, you are playing for the bottom team. Mind you it will never happen, the club will try and get the best they can

i agree. But the general public listen to the media. So then it will be about the media for 'most' of the supporters.

yeh just have to make the best out of a shit situation. If we were at the bottom of the ladder would it mean more. or if geelong was at the bottom. or outside the 8.... i think its because its gonna be pick 20 ish. would we take pick 10? probably.

[Rocket Science]

"Should the Cats be obliged to use lube or should the Dogs simply lie back and think of Engl ... ish?"

https://i.ibb.co/PtTYtRK/Screen-Shot-2024-09-10-at-12-28-32-pm.png (https://ibb.co/mSvBSmk)

[angelopetraglia]

Bailey Smtih is probably worth more to Cotton On in regards to $$$ than he is to Geelong. His brand is perfect to sell more slave labour, low quality clothes to people wanting to chase the latest throw away fashion trend.

[Grantysghost]

"Should the Cats be obliged to use lube or should the Dogs simply lie back and think of Engl ... ish?"

https://i.ibb.co/PtTYtRK/Screen-Shot-2024-09-10-at-12-28-32-pm.png (https://ibb.co/mSvBSmk)

Classic. No is the answer.

[Rocket Science]

Classic. No is the answer.

A mere snapshot of the prevailing wisdom around this we've only just seen the tip of thus far.

Not just reporting on the likelihood of us getting bent over, again, but insisting we consent to it while being fed a healthy dose of 'know your place'.

Not sure this is necessarily the answer but there'd be so much more for these idiots to talk about if players in this situation didn't hold absolutely all the cards and clubs could dispatch assets as readily as those assets can dispatch clubs.

[bornadog]

A mere snapshot of the prevailing wisdom around this we've only just seen the tip of thus far.

Not just reporting on the likelihood of us getting bent over, again, but insisting we consent to it while being fed a healthy dose of 'know your place'.

Not sure this is necessarily the answer but there'd be so much more for these idiots to talk about if players in this situation didn't hold absolutely all the cards and clubs could dispatch assets as readily as those assets can dispatch clubs.

The worst thing I read (a month ago) about why Geelong suits Smith was by Jon Ralph who said Geelong were going to build an elite training facility for $50 million (not exact figure, just my memory)and how great it would be for Smith to train there. The facility will take 2 plus years to build.

What an absolute tosser who has never been to the Whitten Oval.

[Axe Man]

AFL Trade: How Geelong can get Bailey Smith trade done with Western Bulldogs (https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/afl-trade-how-geelong-can-get-bailey-smith-trade-done-with-western-bulldogs/news-story/41b893e14fe3ef89a02c563f4316f7ee)

As with all trade talk in September, it was unsurprising the Western Bulldogs began the official Bailey Smith discourse by digging in their heels on Monday.

Smith told Luke Beveridge on Monday he wanted out of the club and the battle for leverage has begun.

The midfielder is off contract so it would appear he is in pole position to rule the deal but as a 23-year-old who is expected to enjoy another decade in the game and join his second club on a long-term deal, the Dogs will demand a strong return.

While Smith did not specifically pick Geelong as his destination on Monday, the football world has expected him to be wearing hoops in 2025 for some time.

The Cats will not have a first pick before No. 15 in November?s draft and it is more than likely that selection will push into the early 20s once academy and father-son picks are accounted for.

That pick alone will not satisfy the Dogs and asking for Geelong?s future first in hope it will be a better selection may be folly given the club has missed finals twice in 18 seasons.

The Cats have all their picks available so could trade both their first and second for Smith, but would say picks 20 and 36 be enough?

It seems to be the fairest middle ground.

Trading two first-round picks has been a high-risk strategy but Geelong?s first this year is essentially an early second and the Cats would back themselves to make another deep run in 2025 with the addition of Smith to the team, so two picks sitting around 20 might be the best they can offer without working to get up the order this off-season.

In terms of players, it?s impossible to see the Cats giving up any of their shiny young toys in a trade unless the Dogs are particularly interested in fringe youngsters like Jhye Clark, Mitch Knevitt.

Cats list boss Andrew Mackie dug his own heels in somewhat last year in the Esava Ratugolea deal over late picks and will push for what he sees as a fair price.

The Cats could threaten to walk him to the pre-season draft but that very rarely comes to fruition and Geelong?s pick there would be late anyway.

WHAT HISTORY SAYS
A host of quality young midfielders have been traded in the last three seasons, almost all of them for deals centred on top-10 picks.

Adam Cerra?s move potentially mirrors Smith the best, and the former Docker also didn?t specify a club when he asked for a trade before later making clear he wanted to be a Blue.

Comparable Recent Midfield Trades

Adam Cerra (Age 21 at trade) Carlton got: Cerra Fremantle got: pick 6 and future R3

Tim Taranto (24) Richmond got: Taranto GWS got: picks 12 and 19

Jacob Hopper (24) Richmond got: Hopper, picks 53 and 63 GWS got: pick 31 and future R1

Josh Dunkley (25) Brisbane got: Dunkley, future R3 and R3 Bulldogs got: pick 21 and future R1, R2, R4

Liam Henry (21) St Kilda got: Henry and future R4 Fremantle got: future R2 and R4

Cerra was two years younger than Smith is now and went for pick 6 and a future third.

Jacob Hopper sits in a similar band of high-potential player without many accolades and was traded from GWS to Richmond at the age of 25 for pick 31 and a future first, with two late picks going back to the Tigers.

Josh Dunkley was better credentialed when he got his move from the Dogs to Brisbane at age 25.

He went for pick 21 and a future first, with some other picks swapped around.

WHO ELSE SHOULD GET INVOLVED
There isn?t a person in the footy industry who expects Smith to go anywhere except Geelong but given he didn?t lock in his dream destination other clubs may as well inquire.

Melbourne needs more youthful legs in its midfield, although Smith?s kicking would be a worry in a Demons side that can hack the footy.

The Dees have pick five, which would be a great start.

St Kilda has been searching for a star midfielder and could have picks seven and eight once the Josh Battle compensation is sorted, with his running game perfectly suited to Ross Lyon?s new style.

The Saints are keen to draft young on-ballers with those picks.

Collingwood was interested earlier this year but could only offer next year?s first rounder while Hawthorn appears too busy with Tom Barrass.

[GVGjr]

You don't honestly believe that do you G?

I can't see any benefit from doing this. Would we rather keep a player that clearly doesn't want to be there so he can sulk around and destabilise the group?

It doesn't set a precedent of worth.

Let's get the best deal possible, and move on.

It sucks not gonna lie. The Dunkley deal sucked, the Lions gave up nothing really and gained a key component.

But - we need to work out a way to keep these guys happy enough to want to stay. That's the issue.

Maybe it was just two guys who were always going to look around for Broadway lights who knows.

I'm absolutely of the view that you don't gift overly generous deals to clubs higher on the ladder than we are so while it might cost us in the short term I'd still be prepared to do it. I'd be the first to admit I haven't seen a lot of it in recent years but clubs at the top of the ladder need to pay a reasonable return when they chase players from other clubs.
We can be the club that shakes the competition up by not accepting 50 cents in the dollar return in terms of a trade.
It we get the opportunity to accept 80 cents in the dollar I could probably get on board and be more pragmatic.

[JanLorMill]

"Should the Cats be obliged to use lube or should the Dogs simply lie back and think of Engl ... ish?"

https://i.ibb.co/PtTYtRK/Screen-Shot-2024-09-10-at-12-28-32-pm.png (https://ibb.co/mSvBSmk)
Its Gary Lyon he knows!

[angelopetraglia]

Baz latest post on Insta.

Reminder:There are 2 sides to every story (clown emoji).

One day.

[Grantysghost]

Baz latest post on Insta.

Reminder:There are 2 sides to every story (clown emoji).

One day.
He's been copping abuse, he needs to get off social media but it's his lively hood. He should hire someone else to do it for him.

[angelopetraglia]

He's been copping abuse, he needs to get off social media but it's his lively hood. He should hire someone else to do it for him.

Why would he have his direct messages open. Crazy. Madness actually.

Why would he bite back like that. I?m even more angry now. I would send him straight to the PSD out of spite.

[Grantysghost]

Why would he have his direct messages open. Crazy. Madness actually.

Why would he bite back like that. I?m even more angry now. I would send him straight to the PSD out of spite.
I've got no idea.

You sure it's not another fake :)

[angelopetraglia]

He has woken up to himself and he has now deleted that insta story.

[Grantysghost]

He has woken up to himself and he has now deleted that insta story.
Too late once it's out there.

[comrade]

He hasn?t whipped out the clown emoji, surely?

[Grantysghost]

He hasn?t whipped out the clown emoji, surely?
https://i.postimg.cc/xdNYLJzT/Screenshot-20240910-210513-2.png (https://postimg.cc/f3s6NbC6)

[bulldogtragic]

One burns down the bridge AFTER crossing it, usually.

But you do you BS.

[angelopetraglia]

I?m sorry, Baz needs help. It looks like he has consumed too much of his sugary alco pop.

[Grantysghost]

https://i.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExOXk4MWVydW5kb3hlMzNrOTJteTQ1aXU0dm9tdWIyb 2RqajZyaGRtMyZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfYnlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/l0IpWb9lubThJq2wo/giphy.gif
He hasn?t whipped out the clown emoji, surely?

[bulldogtragic]

I?m sorry, Baz needs help. It looks like he has consumed too much of his sugary alco pop.

Geelong have a great culture. They can deal with him now.

[angelopetraglia]

Can?t wait until the match up. Send Libba straight to him. This is war.

[angelopetraglia]

Geelong have a great culture. They can deal with him now.

Yep. He can hang out with Stengle ?

[angelopetraglia]

Can we do a deal with Richmond and send Baz to the preseason draft?

[angelopetraglia]

Geelong?s major sponsor, Cotton On, has strong links to Smith which has pricked the ears of league officials.

?The AFL is going to monitor this potential deal with a fine-tooth comb because as we know, there are clubs that are concerned ? I?ll throw this, the Chris Judd-Visy deal is floating in the background here ? because Bailey Smith is an ambassador for Cotton On and has been since 2022,? Herald Sun journalist Scott Gullan began on Fox Footy?s Midweek Tackle.

?Cotton On are the major sponsor at Geelong, you?re allowed to have third party deals, but the intricacies of how this is going to lob is going to be under the scrutiny, big time, by the AFL,? he said.

The Midweek Tackle panel used Carlton?s deal with Chris Judd and Visy, reportedly worth $200,000 as an example of something that wouldn?t be able to occur between Smith, Geelong and Cotton On.

?The rules are much more rigid for the ASA?s and the third-party deals so basically it means tested. If a sponsor is going to pay $100,000 it can?t be for the three or five or seven footy clinics like it used to be,? Herald Sun journalist Jon Ralph said.

?Basically, you can?t rort the system, it?s got to be $100,000 in real value but here?s the interesting thing. Bailey Smith?s a brand, he?s a social media influencer? How do you put a figure on that or how many t-shirts you think he might be able to potentially sell?? Ralph asked.

?This is a legitimate relationship, it started because of his social media, they wanted to get their brand out there. It wasn?t started to get him to Geelong, he was a Bulldogs star then. Last year he?s had his own brand, he?s designed his own fashion wear, so this is a legitimate relationship, but the flip side is, Cotton On?s big Geelong,? Gullan replied.

?I think the issue would be if when he signs at Geelong as we expect, if his Cotton On deal suddenly crept up a couple hundred? that?s when the sirens would go off and the floodlights would go off.

?They want to see consistency in previous earnings compared to what he will earn under new arrangements at Geelong,? colleague Jay Clark replied.

[jazzadogs]

Geelong?s major sponsor, Cotton On, has strong links to Smith which has pricked the ears of league officials.

?The AFL is going to monitor this potential deal with a fine-tooth comb because as we know, there are clubs that are concerned ? I?ll throw this, the Chris Judd-Visy deal is floating in the background here ? because Bailey Smith is an ambassador for Cotton On and has been since 2022,? Herald Sun journalist Scott Gullan began on Fox Footy?s Midweek Tackle.

?Cotton On are the major sponsor at Geelong, you?re allowed to have third party deals, but the intricacies of how this is going to lob is going to be under the scrutiny, big time, by the AFL,? he said.

The Midweek Tackle panel used Carlton?s deal with Chris Judd and Visy, reportedly worth $200,000 as an example of something that wouldn?t be able to occur between Smith, Geelong and Cotton On.

?The rules are much more rigid for the ASA?s and the third-party deals so basically it means tested. If a sponsor is going to pay $100,000 it can?t be for the three or five or seven footy clinics like it used to be,? Herald Sun journalist Jon Ralph said.

?Basically, you can?t rort the system, it?s got to be $100,000 in real value but here?s the interesting thing. Bailey Smith?s a brand, he?s a social media influencer? How do you put a figure on that or how many t-shirts you think he might be able to potentially sell?? Ralph asked.

?This is a legitimate relationship, it started because of his social media, they wanted to get their brand out there. It wasn?t started to get him to Geelong, he was a Bulldogs star then. Last year he?s had his own brand, he?s designed his own fashion wear, so this is a legitimate relationship, but the flip side is, Cotton On?s big Geelong,? Gullan replied.

?I think the issue would be if when he signs at Geelong as we expect, if his Cotton On deal suddenly crept up a couple hundred? that?s when the sirens would go off and the floodlights would go off.

?They want to see consistency in previous earnings compared to what he will earn under new arrangements at Geelong,? colleague Jay Clark replied.

Nothing to see here, move along, take your future third and get f***ed Bulldogs

[Jeanette54]

Geelong seem to have their head screwed on right, when it comes to club culture. So, they must be prepared to accept some risk when it comes to Bailey Smith. For years their stars have reportedly traded individual reward in order to keep "the band together" and ensure team success. IMHO I think they might be wary about someone whose individual "brand" and social media presence appears to be so important to them.

I guess I am saying that having him in the club, could turn out to be a mixed blessing. Of course, their sponsors will love him.

For me, the impending departure of Jack Macrae is a far bigger blow to our club.

[bornadog]

Geelong seem to have their head screwed on right, when it comes to club culture. So, they must be prepared to accept some risk when it comes to Bailey Smith. For years their stars have reportedly traded individual reward in order to keep "the band together" and ensure team success. IMHO I think they might be wary about someone whose individual "brand" and social media presence appears to be so important to them.

I guess I am saying that having him in the club, could turn out to be a mixed blessing. Of course, their sponsors will love him.

For me, the impending departure of Jack Macrae is a far bigger blow to our club.

Great culture, more like great ways to sweep everything under the carpet. eg Stengle found unconscious at night club - nothing to see here, plays the Saturday

[macca]

Geelong?s major sponsor, Cotton On, has strong links to Smith which has pricked the ears of league officials.

?The AFL is going to monitor this potential deal with a fine-tooth comb because as we know, there are clubs that are concerned ? I?ll throw this, the Chris Judd-Visy deal is floating in the background here ? because Bailey Smith is an ambassador for Cotton On and has been since 2022,? Herald Sun journalist Scott Gullan began on Fox Footy?s Midweek Tackle.

?Cotton On are the major sponsor at Geelong, you?re allowed to have third party deals, but the intricacies of how this is going to lob is going to be under the scrutiny, big time, by the AFL,? he said.

The Midweek Tackle panel used Carlton?s deal with Chris Judd and Visy, reportedly worth $200,000 as an example of something that wouldn?t be able to occur between Smith, Geelong and Cotton On.

?The rules are much more rigid for the ASA?s and the third-party deals so basically it means tested. If a sponsor is going to pay $100,000 it can?t be for the three or five or seven footy clinics like it used to be,? Herald Sun journalist Jon Ralph said.

?Basically, you can?t rort the system, it?s got to be $100,000 in real value but here?s the interesting thing. Bailey Smith?s a brand, he?s a social media influencer? How do you put a figure on that or how many t-shirts you think he might be able to potentially sell?? Ralph asked.

?This is a legitimate relationship, it started because of his social media, they wanted to get their brand out there. It wasn?t started to get him to Geelong, he was a Bulldogs star then. Last year he?s had his own brand, he?s designed his own fashion wear, so this is a legitimate relationship, but the flip side is, Cotton On?s big Geelong,? Gullan replied.

?I think the issue would be if when he signs at Geelong as we expect, if his Cotton On deal suddenly crept up a couple hundred? that?s when the sirens would go off and the floodlights would go off.

?They want to see consistency in previous earnings compared to what he will earn under new arrangements at Geelong,? colleague Jay Clark replied.

Cotton can hire his family... deal solved...

[josie]

Cotton can hire his family... deal solved...

Or because Bailey has such a bold personality Cats could clone him. Original to concentrate on footy and be paid by GFC. Whilst the clone is paid for and attends to all advertising and social media responsibilities; fizzy alcoholic drinks, deodorants etc. and posting pics of the clone wearing fine cotton.

[Happy Days]

I’m dying to know what he thinks was done to him.

[Vred]

I’m dying to know what he thinks was done to him.

Well you see... We drafted him right, then played him round one, made sure he never played a single game of VFL, supported him through his drug problem, supported him through his shenanigans with Lachie Hunter (Swept it under the rug), supported him with his DIVA antics when news crews rock up and he chucks a hissy fit because ''he doesn't want to be on film'', and more than supported him with his ACL rehab, even allowing him a jaunty European holiday in the middle of the season when the team is doing the hard yards in Melbourne winter.

But I'm sure he feels slighted because we've *only* offered him two years at 800k... Oh the humanity.

[GVGjr]

Geelong seem to have their head screwed on right, when it comes to club culture. So, they must be prepared to accept some risk when it comes to Bailey Smith. For years their stars have reportedly traded individual reward in order to keep "the band together" and ensure team success. IMHO I think they might be wary about someone whose individual "brand" and social media presence appears to be so important to them.

I guess I am saying that having him in the club, could turn out to be a mixed blessing. Of course, their sponsors will love him.

For me, the impending departure of Jack Macrae is a far bigger blow to our club.

Some of the reasons for their success is that they are very well run club and good decision makers. Their coach is forging quite a legacy and players have gained plenty of finals experience which are strong considerations for player. They've also been uncanny drafters of players.
Being outside of Melbourne they also offer incoming players a bit more bang for their buck when they look at setting up their homes etc.

They've obviously sold a lot of different factors for Smith to consider because they most likely haven't just thrown the dollars at him to buy his services.

It will be interesting to see if they can keep Smith healthy, happy and focused.

[GVGjr]

Great culture, more like great ways to sweep everything under the carpet. eg Stengle found unconscious at night club - nothing to see here, plays the Saturday

Similar things would happen at most other clubs.

[Mantis]

Well you see... We drafted him right, then played him round one, made sure he never played a single game of VFL, supported him through his drug problem, supported him through his shenanigans with Lachie Hunter (Swept it under the rug), supported him with his DIVA antics when news crews rock up and he chucks a hissy fit because ''he doesn't want to be on film'', and more than supported him with his ACL rehab, even allowing him a jaunty European holiday in the middle of the season when the team is doing the hard yards in Melbourne winter.

But I'm sure he feels slighted because we've *only* offered him two years at 800k... Oh the humanity.

Well said.

Tell your story walking Baz. You?re acting like an entitled little brat.

[Bullies]

Geelong seem to have their head screwed on right, when it comes to club culture. So, they must be prepared to accept some risk when it comes to Bailey Smith. For years their stars have reportedly traded individual reward in order to keep "the band together" and ensure team success. IMHO I think they might be wary about someone whose individual "brand" and social media presence appears to be so important to them.

I guess I am saying that having him in the club, could turn out to be a mixed blessing. Of course, their sponsors will love him.

For me, the impending departure of Jack Macrae is a far bigger blow to our club. Don't agree with the great culture bit. There has always been the "noise" about the promise of property in Torquay which the AFL could do nothing about as the land was sold cheaply to certain players. They also don't get the attention Melbourne clubs get. Gary Rohan comes to mind, Stengle was given the "move along nothing to see here", Chris Scott as was his brother Brad was happy for the club to chase Tarryn Thomas.

[Bullies]

Cotton can hire his family... deal solved... Apparently Cotton On can pay him to do "modelling" of the label which may sit out of the marketing side.

[hujsh]

Please don't go Joker mode Bailey. Have mercy.

[G-Mo77]

I’m dying to know what he thinks was done to him.

Same. There are 2 sides to every story apparently? Maybe Club officials put the coke into his hands?

[ReLoad]

Is he using the same PR firm as the Petracca tribe?

Honestly, Bailey, just own it, some out and say: "Hey I need a change, We (The Bulldogs and I) have had some issues, and I think its best for all parties if I move on." Simple, effective and most importantly the truth.

[bornadog]

Similar things would happen at most other clubs.

Only if it was kept out of the media.

[Mofra]

Great culture, more like great ways to sweep everything under the carpet. eg Stengle found unconscious at night club - nothing to see here, plays the Saturday
Just a K hole. Stengle would be fine by next morning

Allegedly....

[Grantysghost]

Some of the reasons for their success is that they are very well run club and good decision makers. Their coach is forging quite a legacy and players have gained plenty of finals experience which are strong considerations for player. They've also been uncanny drafters of players.
Being outside of Melbourne they also offer incoming players a bit more bang for their buck when they look at setting up their homes etc.

They've obviously sold a lot of different factors for Smith to consider because they most likely haven't just thrown the dollars at him to buy his services.

It will be interesting to see if they can keep Smith healthy, happy and focused.

They tend to get away with things that others wouldn't either. No doubt they corral kids from G Town and strongly get in their ear early. Tanner Bruhn says hello.

Also they do mega dodgies and somehow get a free ride. That Bowes trade has to be one of the most clearly fraudulent deals in history, basically paying for a pick by taking on his salary.

Gablett coming back for the very pick they recieved as compo too.

I mean they are so well looked after it's sickening. Not to mention that shithole ground they make bank from.

Not as clear as well run imo. Get away with shit others probably wouldn't.

[Happy Days]

Just a K hole. Stengle would be fine by next morning

Allegedly....

There’s certainly never been any players in the history of the Western Bulldogs to do that and definitely not any beloved premiership players.

Unrelated but did you know that ketamine doesn’t show up on the drug testing used by the AFL?

[azabob]

Considering Geelong's rise up the ladder coupled with Father Son / Free Agency Compo / NGA bids the Cats first pick is likely to be in the early 20's.

As it stands, we could consider a player as part of the trade. Obviously, the sticking point will be to convince one of them to come to us.

Off the table player wise are Shaun Mannagh, Mitch Knevitt, Lawson Humphries and Sam De Koning - would love one of these players but extremely unlikely.

Some names to consider (please be kind in your rebuttals as I am only going on video footage)

*Toby Conway - developing young ruckman, who actually broke even with English (1st half) in his debut game in 2023 (Geelong heartland)

*George Stevens - inside midfielder who has a good size about him, pick 58 from the 2023 draft (is a Warrnambool lad)

*Jhye Clark (straight swap) - pick 8 in the 2022 draft - missed the first final and likely wont play a part in the prelim.

*Oliver Wiltshire - 180cm medium forward who can mark and also kick goals from ground ball gets. Was a smokey pick in 2023 draft from Barwon Heads

Anyone else on Geelong's list worth looking at?

[GVGjr]

Steves is speculative at the moment and we rated a few ahead of him so doubtful
Clark has really struggled perhaps a chance
Humphries would be a great sweetener but I can't see them letting him go.i need to have another look at their list.

[jazzadogs]

Jhye Clark is not a straight swap. Bailey Smith has exposed form as a finals-winning a grade AFL midfielder.

Jhye Clark has played 18 AFL games and none over 20 disposals.

[mjp]

Jhye Clark is not a straight swap. Bailey Smith has exposed form as a finals-winning a grade AFL midfielder.

Jhye Clark has played 18 AFL games and none over 20 disposals.

Yeah, but maaaaaatteeee...he's the next Joel Selwood? Don't you watch the draft coverage???

Clark was selected as a Geelong kid to stay in Geelong...not sure he's a viable choice anyway!!

[Flamethrower]

We have the upper hand here - Paul O'Connor did the deal 12 months ago, and it is up to Mackie and Geelong to satisfy us.

As I have posted multiple places since Bailey confirmed he wanted out, we must use the picks to get Dan Houston.

Houston to Melbourne was a done deal until that club became a disaster area, so Houston is now looking at other clubs in Melbourne and the word on the street is we are on the short list - Sam Power, please make it happen.

[JanLorMill]

We have the upper hand here - Paul O'Connor did the deal 12 months ago, and it is up to Mackie and Geelong to satisfy us.

As I have posted multiple places since Bailey confirmed he wanted out, we must use the picks to get Dan Houston.

Houston to Melbourne was a done deal until that club became a disaster area, so Houston is now looking at other clubs in Melbourne and the word on the street is we are on the short list - Sam Power, please make it happen.
Rodney Eade said this much in 2 podcasts today. Made me feel better.

[bornadog]

We have the upper hand here - Paul O'Connor did the deal 12 months ago, and it is up to Mackie and Geelong to satisfy us.

As I have posted multiple places since Bailey confirmed he wanted out, we must use the picks to get Dan Houston.

Houston to Melbourne was a done deal until that club became a disaster area, so Houston is now looking at other clubs in Melbourne and the word on the street is we are on the short list - Sam Power, please make it happen.

Carlton also chasing Houston

[angelopetraglia]

Still can?t believe how morally bankrupt Baz is pushing his own brand of alco pop onto the thousands of teenage girls who are his prime followers.

Tells you everything you need to know really.

[Mofra]

Carlton also chasing Houston
Leading that chase according to Port fans. Going super hard at him.

[hujsh]

Still can?t believe how morally bankrupt Baz is pushing his own brand of alco pop onto the thousands of teenage girls who are his prime followers.

Tells you everything you need to know really.

He's in an industry that's fueled by gambling dollars. He could try to be a bit better than that but he's basically just meeting the standard already set.

I don't think we need to bother ourselves with the inner workings of that bloke though. I doubt it even occurs to him to think about it from that perspective.

[angelopetraglia]

He's in an industry that's fueled by gambling dollars. He could try to be a bit better than that but he's basically just meeting the standard already set.

I don't think we need to bother ourselves with the inner workings of that bloke though. I doubt it even occurs to him to think about it from that perspective.

Agree with the sentiment.

But some people seem to be very comfortable taking $$$$$ to sell sports gambling and alco pops while others are not. It speaks volumes to me.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Irony is it's the same kid who apparently was so disciplined he never touched alcohol ...

... Who later then gets caught with powder and becomes an ambassador for an alcoholic drink.

[angelopetraglia]

Irony is it's the same kid who apparently was so disciplined he never touched alcohol ...

... Who later then gets caught with powder and becomes an ambassador for an alcoholic drink.

The irony is not lost on me. An excerpt from Sam McLure's article below .....

Not only is he renowned as one of the hardest trainers in this year’s draft pool, but he’s also incredibly strict on himself.

Smith plans and cooks every meal himself, intermittently fasts and has never touched a drop of alcohol – and doesn’t plan to for the entirety of his AFL career.

“I’ve never had it, it’s a mental thing, it’s just not worth it,” Smith told Fairfax Media.

“I’ve come this far, why waste it?”

“I might [try it] when I’m old. Like, really old.”

Smith wouldn’t be the only draftee who plans to stay away from the booze, but his dedication to his diet and personalised training program is unlikely to be matched.

Source: https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/miles-ahead-smith-s-discipline-sets-him-apart-20181107-p50elp.html

[angelopetraglia]

Things changed really, really fast for Baz. This article is from 2023 with Scott Gullan .....

“I just began to tap into the longevity of my body and understanding what was required,” Smith explains. “I think the first two or three years I would treat my body like shit, I would do the recovery and stuff but after a game I’d always go out for a few beers and be like, ‘Yep, you’ll be fine’ and then I would be fresh on the Monday.

“You get a different hit of dopamine, not being blind on a weekend but first up on a Sunday morning. It’s a different hit of feeling happy, it’s just awesome and then you are set up for a great week.”

Source: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/bailey-smith-opens-up-on-how-he-turned-his-life-around-since-he-was-caught-with-cocaine-in-leaked-video/news-story/7421c768dc040ff7457735afd4f6f117?amp



So he went from I'm never going to drink in my AFL career to drinking beers after every game in his first few years. What happened!!!!!

[angelopetraglia]

Baz timeline

-I'm never going to drink. 2018.

-I'm having beers with the boys after every game in first two seasons. 2019 & 2020.

-I'm getting blind after every game.

-I have graduated from beers to drugs.

-My partying gets out of control. "Spiralled out of control". Late 2021.

-Baz caught in photo with white powder. June 2022.

-I now don't need the short term dopemine hits of beers and drugs. I don't need acohol. March 2023.

-I'm now going to promote alco pops even though I have first hand knowledge of the dangers of alcohol, especially on young people. He wanted it "sessionable". Baz quote. "Developing BARRY has been such an awesome experience - everything from the flavour development, branding, and production to the distribution. We did so many versions of the watermelon and lemon flavour, I wanted it to be the perfect bev for summer - light, refreshing and sessionable"

-Baz launches Barry's Drink. September 2023

-This lolly water is 5.6% ABV. 1.5 standard drnks for only 330ml. You can have a real session with this stuff.

-Flavours. Just in case you are not aware who they are targetting. Tropical mango. Strawberry Smash. Watermelon & Lemon. Pineapple & Lime. Curshed Lemon.

[angelopetraglia]

https://barrysdrink.com.au/cdn/shop/files/baz.jpg?v=1717552157&width=750

[azabob]

AP, at least put some effort into your background checks on young Bailey!!

It really is a remarkable fall from where he started.

[Happy Days]

I gotta be honest I don’t really give a shit, like, at all about him taking up drinking and think there’s dozens of more valid reasons to hate on him.

[angelopetraglia]

I gotta be honest I don’t really give a shit, like, at all about him taking up drinking and think there’s dozens of more valid reasons to hate on him.

I don't care about him having a drink. I think it is immoral for someone who doesn't need any extra coin to be pedalling lolly water alco pop to impressionabe young teenage girls. Especially for someone who experienced the downside of the drink first hand.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

I think it shows how much work he was, is, and will continue to be. And for not a whole lot of payoff.

Must admit I don't care much for people who say one thing and do another. He's high on this list it would seem.

[bulldogtragic]

I wanted to review when he was drafted about staying in Melbourne. The first Google hit was the other forum. So I clicked on it. The comments at the time seemed pretty harsh over there about BS: (something like)

- what an entitled attitude/person
- why won?t he even give it (moving) a go
- piss weak attitude
- standing behind mental illness to get his way
- good luck to the club recruiting him managing such an entitled attitude person
- the club recruiting him better hope he?s a one club player as this attitude screams he will leave when it suits him


Those were the comments at the time on that forum. He?s since been involved the incident with Hunter, selling grog to girls, photos with white powder, admitted he cracked the sads about not playing in the exact role, spent this year working from home, hanging out with Margot Robbie?s brother in a game day, going to Europe and wanting to play finals despite giving the club a clear impression he was gone. Pretty entitled behaviour. I guess he doesn?t mind the location of his team as much now. I assume when we get bent over those contributors on that forum will say we knew what we were buying.

[Pedro Sanchez]

I wanted to review when he was drafted about staying in Melbourne. The first Google hit was the other forum. So I clicked on it. The comments at the time seemed pretty harsh over there about BS: (something like)

- what an entitled attitude/person
- why won?t he even give it (moving) a go
- piss weak attitude
- standing behind mental illness to get his way
- good luck to the club recruiting him managing such an entitled attitude person
- the club recruiting him better hope he?s a one club player as this attitude screams he will leave when it suits him


Those were the comments at the time on that forum. He?s since been involved the incident with Hunter, selling grog to girls, photos with white powder, admitted he cracked the sads about not playing in the exact role, spent this year working from home, hanging out with Margot Robbie?s brother in a game day, going to Europe and wanting to play finals despite giving the club a clear impression he was gone. Pretty entitled behaviour. I guess he doesn?t mind the location of his team as much now. I assume when we get bent over those contributors on that forum will say we knew what we were buying.

Yeh he sounds like a proper knob, just with great abs. Its a dam shame we actually drafted him when we could have had home grown Doggies man himself Butters. Absolutely better off without him - just hope we get compensated appropriately. .

[Rocket Science]

He?s since been involved the incident with Hunter, selling grog to girls, photos with white powder, admitted he cracked the sads about not playing in the exact role, spent this year working from home, hanging out with Margot Robbie?s brother in a game day, going to Europe and wanting to play finals despite giving the club a clear impression he was gone. Pretty entitled behaviour. I guess he doesn?t mind the location of his team as much now. I assume when we get bent over those contributors on that forum will say we knew what we were buying.

Tim Watson added more for the annals during the week ... recounting a time Seven News was out grabbing fairly stock standard footage of us at the beach during a recovery session where Brand Baz, being a member of the team, was also present but according to Watson upon realising he was caught on camera apparently demanded the news crew stop filming him before then insisting the club heavy the network to scrap any footage he might've appeared in, which given little choice and after much awkward back and forth with the game's official broadcaster, they duly obliged with.

So ... yeah.

[bulldogtragic]

tim watson added more for the annals during the week ... Recounting a time seven news was out grabbing fairly stock standard footage of us at the beach during a recovery session where brand baz, being a member of the team, was also present but according to watson upon realising he was caught on camera apparently demanded the news crew stop filming him before then insisting the club heavy the network to scrap any footage he might've appeared in, which given little choice and after much awkward back and forth with the game's official broadcaster, they duly obliged with.

So ... Yeah.

fmd.

[Grantysghost]

It's possible there are very good reasons for Bailey not wanting certain images of himself broadcast.

Bailey bashing seems to be a bit of a sport at the moment I'm struggling to think nice things about those participating.

[bulldogtragic]

It's possible there are very good reasons for Bailey not wanting certain images of himself broadcast.

Bailey bashing seems to be a bit of a sport at the moment I'm struggling to think nice things about those participating.

Tell me what to think after he’s bled us, shit all over us and left us high and dry.

[Grantysghost]

Tell me what to think after he’s bled us, shit all over us and left us high and dry.

Players move its the way things are in pro sport.
No point getting too upset about it I think.

I mean we all know Bailey has his mental health challenges so that's the lens I'd be framing my thoughts on him through.

[jeemak]

Players move its the way things are in pro sport.
No point getting too upset about it I think.

I mean we all know Bailey has his mental health challenges so that's the lens I'd be framing my thoughts on him through.

You can have mental health challenges and also be an independently self-centred person at the same time.

[The bulldog tragician]

Tell me what to think after he’s bled us, shit all over us and left us high and dry.
Dear BT, Rocket was on the Danny Boyd podcast and spoke about Baz. He said that Paul OConnor the manager of BS (appropriate initials) would have pretty much completed the deal 12 months ago and would now, having promised BS and Geelong to get them together, need to “get it done” for his own reputation. He cited the Jeremy Cameron trade where Geelong would not have wanted to give up as much as they did, but ended up having to do so because he had promised the club, and the player, it would happen. He said we should stand firm and call Geelong’s bluff if they’re offering just their first round selection. (Paraphrasing, think this was the gist of it).

I do not understand most draft discussions and also admit to being profoundly uninterested most of the time, but what do you think of Rocket’s reasoning, as I just felt with most of what I’ve taken in so far, that we have a very poor hand to play.

from Geelong website:
The Cats sent a first round selection, a pair of future first round picks and a future fourth rounder to the Giants as part of the blockbuster trade.

In return they got Jeremy Cameron and two future second round picks, helping to secure the rights to one of the most dominant and dangerous forwards in the AFL.

[Pleather Sole]

I have no venom or even mild distaste for Bailey Smith. Apart from not being at training as much as most around here expect after an injury which the club endorsed, whats the big deal. He requested a trade at an interval where he is out of contract, the nerve!!!
Its a business you say when you want someone gone but when someone decides they're leaving of their own volition its treachery.

My anger and feelings of hurt are almost the same as this time last year. Despite reviews, some peripheral coaching changes we're back where we were. Underperforming, dubious selections, rigid game plans, tactical freeze. I feel pissed off that Bevo is doing the same schtick. We're one game better and perhaps if we hadn't made finals the conversations would be more about overall failure and being hoodwinked in to getting on board with the hype and the hope sold. I bought it, my bad, should've known better than to trust a club papering over cracks with a handful of good wins and a culture that for years sees us betraying our talent. I won't pile on a young gun who has the good sense to seek greener pastures. Good on him. I wouldn't want to hang around for likely another facsimile of a year where the changes won't be deep enough. I might even buy a slab of his fruit seltzer or whatever it is and I don't even drink. Too many people scapegoating, not enough looking at where the real discomfort stems. You might all shout me down, whatever, but the bile you have and keep spewing over and over, its weird and old and not constructive.

[Grantysghost]

You can have mental health challenges and also be an independently self-centred person at the same time.
Yes it doesn't exclude him from being a douche they're not mutually exclusive.

Just feels at the moment there's a massive pile on happening and Tim Watson what a complete gherkin. He should know better than to stir shit up like that.

[bulldogtragic]

Players move its the way things are in pro sport.
No point getting too upset about it I think.

I mean we all know Bailey has his mental health challenges so that's the lens I'd be framing my thoughts on him through.

I agree, players come and go. Nothing but love on here for Jack for example.

Bailey has to own his decisions and behaviour. A lot of us, me included, have/had serious mental health issues. That?s no shield for his actions, decisions and behaviour. It might help add context to certain aspects, but he?s an adult that has to own his behaviour. If I and my former emergency services colleagues went around behaving like he has and then said ?PTSD - don?t say anything? I wouldn?t expect a free pass. It seems when he?s flying it?s because he?s a gun and great brand manager. When he?s appearing selfish or rude or entitled then his mental illness is an issue to be raised.

I don?t wish any harm or distress. But frankly, he?s created this situation. His choices are where we are at now. He has to own it and I?m sure he does. And bringing up mental illness to me seems a little offensive (not that you intend it at all) that those with mental illness challenges are somehow incapable of being held to the standards of others. His decision to skip a game and hang out with Margot Robbie?s brother for instance has what to do with anything other than that?s what he wanted to do. Getting annoyed he wouldn?t be selected for finals while not committing to the club is him wanting his cake and eating it too.

I?m happy to accept that he has challenges and that informs some context of things. But some sort of blanket free pass, no. We all have to own our actions and choices. Mental illness sucks big time, but working through it is to understand it?s not an excuse or shield from the consequences of our choices or actions.

Sorry, you?ve hit a spot that triggers the real world me. So many (sometimes mildly famous/infamous) **** up in life and then try to blame mental illness as a shield. Which just perpetuates the stigma on the rest of us. Sometimes people with mental illness can be selfish dicks at the same time. Sometimes it is the sole reason. In this case I believe we are here right now because of the choices he?s made and he has to own them or at least the discussion that he should own them is fair game.

[bulldogtragic]

Dear BT, Rocket was on the Danny Boyd podcast and spoke about Baz. He said that Paul OConnor the manager of BS (appropriate initials) would have pretty much completed the deal 12 months ago and would now, having promised BS and Geelong to get them together, need to “get it done” for his own reputation. He cited the Jeremy Cameron trade where Geelong would not have wanted to give up as much as they did, but ended up having to do so because he had promised the club, and the player, it would happen. He said we should stand firm and call Geelong’s bluff if they’re offering just their first round selection. (Paraphrasing, think this was the gist of it).

I do not understand most draft discussions and also admit to being profoundly uninterested most of the time, but what do you think of Rocket’s reasoning, as I just felt with most of what I’ve taken in so far, that we have a very poor hand to play.

from Geelong website:
The Cats sent a first round selection, a pair of future first round picks and a future fourth rounder to the Giants as part of the blockbuster trade.

In return they got Jeremy Cameron and two future second round picks, helping to secure the rights to one of the most dominant and dangerous forwards in the AFL.

Hey TBT, I think Rocket is right to a point. From memory Jeremy was a RFA which changes things considerably. I think we have to start with demand their first and F1. That’s not a great return after pick shuffling. And I can see when push comes to shove we might need to hand something back to avoid shoving him into the PSD. At worst an F2. It’s not a great hand we hold, but if we can go from one first in the next two drafts to three, then I guess we take it and focus on what we can do with the picks and hope it’s creative. I’m hopeful that we will be smart and creative with BS & Jack picks and help us rise next year.

[Grantysghost]

I agree, players come and go. Nothing but love on here for Jack for example.

Bailey has to own his decisions and behaviour. A lot of us, me included, have/had serious mental health issues. That?s no shield for his actions, decisions and behaviour. It might help add context to certain aspects, but he?s an adult that has to own his behaviour. If I and my former emergency services colleagues went around behaving like he has and then said ?PTSD - don?t say anything? I wouldn?t expect a free pass. It seems when he?s flying it?s because he?s a gun and great brand manager. When he?s appearing selfish or rude or entitled then his mental illness is an issue to be raised.

I don?t wish any harm or distress. But frankly, he?s created this situation. His choices are where we are at now. He has to own it and I?m sure he does. And bringing up mental illness to me seems a little offensive (not that you intend it at all) that those with mental illness challenges are somehow incapable of being held to the standards of others. His decision to skip a game and hang out with Margot Robbie?s brother for instance has what to do with anything other than that?s what he wanted to do. Getting annoyed he wouldn?t be selected for finals while not committing to the club is him wanting his cake and eating it too.

I?m happy to accept that he has challenges and that informs some context of things. But some sort of blanket free pass, no. We all have to own our actions and choices. Mental illness sucks big time, but working through it is to understand it?s not an excuse or shield from the consequences of our choices or actions.

Sorry, you?ve hit a spot that triggers the real world me. So many (sometimes mildly famous/infamous) **** up in life and then try to blame mental illness as a shield. Which just perpetuates the stigma on the rest of us. Sometimes people with mental illness can be selfish dicks at the same time. Sometimes it is the sole reason. In this case I believe we are here right now because of the choices he?s made and he has to own them or at least the discussion that he should own them is fair game.
Sorry to hear you've had struggles mate hope you're OK.

Great post agree, these things are not mutually exclusive.

I do maybe have a tiny (not alot) more insight re Bailey and that Watson story could certainly be for legit reasons.

Watson has gone waaaay down in my estimation....!

[bulldogtragic]

Sorry to hear you've had struggles mate hope you're OK.

Great post agree, these things are not mutually exclusive.

I do maybe have a tiny (not alot) more insight re Bailey and that Watson story could certainly be for legit reasons.

Watson has gone waaaay down in my estimation....!

All good GG, not going derail the thread but it’s been a very long time since my physical and mental injuries put me on the scrap heap. Just hit a real world peeve of mine.

If Watson has gone rogue, then i will absolutely take your word on it.

[Pleather Sole]

Yes it doesn't exclude him from being a douche they're not mutually exclusive.

Just feels at the moment there's a massive pile on happening and Tim Watson what a complete gherkin. He should know better than to stir shit up like that.
Tim Watson like many in the game and media happy to get the clicks and the traffic through the site despite his and everyones holier than thou attitude.

[Grantysghost]

Tim Watson like many in the game and media happy to get the clicks and the traffic through the site despite his and everyones holier than thou attitude.
Yes, I doubt he'd be doing the same if it was his son.

[jeemak]

I have no venom or even mild distaste for Bailey Smith. Apart from not being at training as much as most around here expect after an injury which the club endorsed, whats the big deal. He requested a trade at an interval where he is out of contract, the nerve!!!
Its a business you say when you want someone gone but when someone decides they're leaving of their own volition its treachery.

My anger and feelings of hurt are almost the same as this time last year. Despite reviews, some peripheral coaching changes we're back where we were. Underperforming, dubious selections, rigid game plans, tactical freeze. I feel pissed off that Bevo is doing the same schtick. We're one game better and perhaps if we hadn't made finals the conversations would be more about overall failure and being hoodwinked in to getting on board with the hype and the hope sold. I bought it, my bad, should've known better than to trust a club papering over cracks with a handful of good wins and a culture that for years sees us betraying our talent. I won't pile on a young gun who has the good sense to seek greener pastures. Good on him. I wouldn't want to hang around for likely another facsimile of a year where the changes won't be deep enough. I might even buy a slab of his fruit seltzer or whatever it is and I don't even drink. Too many people scapegoating, not enough looking at where the real discomfort stems. You might all shout me down, whatever, but the bile you have and keep spewing over and over, its weird and old and not constructive.

Take it to the threads that are focused on Bevo, there's plenty of those.

People will calm down when it comes to Smith. Right now I get why people are angry with him, he's asked and accepted a lot from us and it doesn't seem like he's been prepared to deliver commensurate amounts in return.

[Pleather Sole]

Take it to the threads that are focused on Bevo, there's plenty of those.

People will calm down when it comes to Smith. Right now I get why people are angry with him, he's asked and accepted a lot from us and it doesn't seem like he's been prepared to deliver commensurate amounts in return.

Take it to yourself Mr Gatekeeper. So what if you think you understand it all and what will happen with people. My take on the situation is as valid as the next member. I reckon a lot of the anger is misplaced and it wouldn't be so vicious or so much time dwelling on and sticking the boot in if we were preparing for and getting excited about playing an AFL final this weekend. But the bile has to go somewhere if a young man's behaviour doesn't fit your worldview. The club has let me down, the board, Bevo, the ridiculous selections, not a young guy who wasn't even allowed to play. Anyone would think he slept with their missus the way 'people' are obsessing. Its part of my take so don't tell me to shut up Gatekeeper. Call the mods PleatherSole is not agreeing with the baying mob!! Diddums man. Tuck it under big shot.

[The bulldog tragician]

I agree, players come and go. Nothing but love on here for Jack for example.

Bailey has to own his decisions and behaviour. A lot of us, me included, have/had serious mental health issues. That?s no shield for his actions, decisions and behaviour. It might help add context to certain aspects, but he?s an adult that has to own his behaviour. If I and my former emergency services colleagues went around behaving like he has and then said ?PTSD - don?t say anything? I wouldn?t expect a free pass. It seems when he?s flying it?s because he?s a gun and great brand manager. When he?s appearing selfish or rude or entitled then his mental illness is an issue to be raised.

I don?t wish any harm or distress. But frankly, he?s created this situation. His choices are where we are at now. He has to own it and I?m sure he does. And bringing up mental illness to me seems a little offensive (not that you intend it at all) that those with mental illness challenges are somehow incapable of being held to the standards of others. His decision to skip a game and hang out with Margot Robbie?s brother for instance has what to do with anything other than that?s what he wanted to do. Getting annoyed he wouldn?t be selected for finals while not committing to the club is him wanting his cake and eating it too.

I?m happy to accept that he has challenges and that informs some context of things. But some sort of blanket free pass, no. We all have to own our actions and choices. Mental illness sucks big time, but working through it is to understand it?s not an excuse or shield from the consequences of our choices or actions.

Sorry, you?ve hit a spot that triggers the real world me. So many (sometimes mildly famous/infamous) **** up in life and then try to blame mental illness as a shield. Which just perpetuates the stigma on the rest of us. Sometimes people with mental illness can be selfish dicks at the same time. Sometimes it is the sole reason. In this case I believe we are here right now because of the choices he?s made and he has to own them or at least the discussion that he should own them is fair game.

Go well, BT, and thanks for sharing. The consequences of mental illness are devastating to an individual and their family. The way the term ‘mental health challenge’ is sometimes deployed of late can diminish the anguish many go through. I’m glad to hear things are better now for you.

[jeemak]

Take it to yourself Mr Gatekeeper. So what if you think you understand it all and what will happen with people. My take on the situation is as valid as the next member. I reckon a lot of the anger is misplaced and it wouldn't be so vicious or so much time dwelling on and sticking the boot in if we were preparing for and getting excited about playing an AFL final this weekend. But the bile has to go somewhere if a young man's behaviour doesn't fit your worldview. The club has let me down, the board, Bevo, the ridiculous selections, not a young guy who wasn't even allowed to play. Anyone would think he slept with their missus the way 'people' are obsessing. Its part of my take so don't tell me to shut up Gatekeeper. Call the mods PleatherSole is not agreeing with the baying mob!! Diddums man. Tuck it under big shot.

Dude I've derailed enough threads in my time, so hardly care if you want to have a crack at derailing this one. Just saying there's actually threads dedicated to getting into Beveridge without having to accuse people of conflating their disappointment with him or the season, with their feelings towards Bailey Smith requesting a trade in this one.

Some kudos though, I really did enjoy this bit - Its part of my take so don't tell me to shut up Gatekeeper. Call the mods PleatherSole is not agreeing with the baying mob!! Diddums man. Tuck it under big shot. Keep up the good work.

[Pleather Sole]

Dude I've derailed enough threads in my time, so hardly care if you want to have a crack at derailing this one. Just saying there's actually threads dedicated to getting into Beveridge without having to accuse people of conflating their disappointment with him or the season, with their feelings towards Bailey Smith requesting a trade in this one.

Some kudos though, I really did enjoy this bit - Its part of my take so don't tell me to shut up Gatekeeper. Call the mods PleatherSole is not agreeing with the baying mob!! Diddums man. Tuck it under big shot. Keep up the good work.

Derail? Jaysus, add too. Different perspective. Jeemak decides what goes where...... �� can't express other layers, must all pile on Baz. F**K me thats dire. So if I go on another thread dedicated to piling on Bevo and the club then I can talk about how Bailey is copping unwarranted bile there, but not on the thread about Bailey? �� I have theory dude. Go put your parking tickets on unexpired meters elsewhere.

[Uninformed]

Bailey Smith has given the club (and its supporters) immeasurably more than the club has given him.

He didn't pick the club.

They picked him. And for good reason.

Exceptional talent and a lifetime of dedication, seriously hard work, discipline and training to become the elite sportsman he is.

Every game he played he made the team better.

For 105 quality games.

The club gives him a few dollars for a few years, until it doesn't suit them to continue (think Jackson Mac.) The payment is actually nothing compared with the life energy an elite athlete gives the club.

Whether he wants to stay or go is up to him. Not everyone wants to be a one club player.

Whether he meets the punter's standards on everything - from having a few up to regular attendance at Church - is his business not that of the great moral majority.

Give the guy a break and be grateful for what he has done for our team.

Wish him well and look to the future development of our squad, those that love being where they are.

[SonofScray]

Yeah, nah.


GAGF Baz.

[Hotdog60]

I couldn't give a brass razoo if he stayed or went but what pisses me off is the clubs can't get a fair price on development of the talent they have at their disposal.
Players nominating clubs that aren't in a position to fairly compensate irks me.
Wasn't Brisbane using their 1st round pick up so we didn't get it for Dunkley. What's not to say Geelong go early in the trade and offload their pick 20 or what ever it may be.

[jazzadogs]

Take it to yourself Mr Gatekeeper. So what if you think you understand it all and what will happen with people. My take on the situation is as valid as the next member. I reckon a lot of the anger is misplaced and it wouldn't be so vicious or so much time dwelling on and sticking the boot in if we were preparing for and getting excited about playing an AFL final this weekend. But the bile has to go somewhere if a young man's behaviour doesn't fit your worldview. The club has let me down, the board, Bevo, the ridiculous selections, not a young guy who wasn't even allowed to play. Anyone would think he slept with their missus the way 'people' are obsessing. Its part of my take so don't tell me to shut up Gatekeeper. Call the mods PleatherSole is not agreeing with the baying mob!! Diddums man. Tuck it under big shot.

While we wait for diddums to find it and tuck it, can I address this...

Most people have been pissed off at Bailey Smith for much of the last 12 months, if not longer, since it became abundantly clear that he planned to leave the club at the end of his contract despite everything the club has done and continued to do to support him. And his official trade announcement was only ever going to come after our season ended.

Basically as far as I can see the anger towards Bailey has nothing to do with our coaching or finals performance. It's because he's a self-entitled twit who puts himself into high pressure high exposure situations regularly while saying these are not good environments for him.

[bornadog]

While we wait for diddums to find it and tuck it, can I address this...

Most people have been pissed off at Bailey Smith for much of the last 12 months, if not longer, since it became abundantly clear that he planned to leave the club at the end of his contract despite everything the club has done and continued to do to support him. And his official trade announcement was only ever going to come after our season ended.

Basically as far as I can see the anger towards Bailey has nothing to do with our coaching or finals performance. It's because he's a self-entitled twit who puts himself into high pressure high exposure situations regularly while saying these are not good environments for him.

I am pissed off we are losing a 23 year old with talent and we have to now replace him. I have never felt he bought into the club and always thought he was thinking he is better than a Western Suburbs club.

He doesn't want to play for us so he can go get stuffed.

[jeemak]

While we wait for diddums to find it and tuck it, can I address this...



I will never tuck it in!

[Happy Days]

I knew it was actually Coach Bad but was too scared to admit it.

[The Adelaide Connection]

Wouldn't it be a hell of a plot twist if he re-signed and he wanted to stay the whole time (and was just jockeying for more years or slightly better coin or whatever).

Watching this thread would be A+ viewing.

Ps Don't @ me with reasons why this isn't happening, I know he is gone.

[Pleather Sole]

I will never tuck it in!

For the record, my jest request was to tuck it under but I do appreciate the extra information about never tucking it in.

[azabob]

Yes it doesn't exclude him from being a douche they're not mutually exclusive.

Just feels at the moment there's a massive pile on happening and Tim Watson what a complete gherkin. He should know better than to stir shit up like that.

For one I am glad Tim Watson said something.

The media narrative is painting the dogs as the perpetrator in this whole saga. What media pile on is happening with Smith?

Bailey was played out of position, so he is justified in leaving.

No mention of the other stuff Smith has been up to or the support the dogs have given him.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

For the record, my jest request was to tuck it under but I do appreciate the extra information about never tucking it in.

Look at these mother tuckers workin it out!
Way to go PS and Jee

[Grantysghost]

For the record, my jest request was to tuck it under but I do appreciate the extra information about never tucking it in.

She puts the lotion on her skin...

[angelopetraglia]

For one I am glad Tim Watson said something. The media narrative is painting the dogs as the perpetrator in this whole saga.

Bailey was played out of position so he is justified in leaving.
Dogs are shit; how good are the cats.

No mention of the other stuff Smith has been up to.

Agree 100%

Each to their own opinion. I would love for the full story to come out. What the club really thinks. What Bailey really thinks. But from what we can judge from the outside. From his behaviour. From his social media activity. I find it incredibly diffifuclt to have empathy for Bailey's position.

Bailey chose to play a TEAM sport, not an INDIVIDUAL sport. A TEAM sport requires you at least at times to put the TEAM's needs before your OWN. Bailey has not demonstrated this in how he has behaved in regards to the role the TEAM wanted him to play or how he has behaved off the field.

Good luck to his next club.

[Bullies]

I couldn't give a brass razoo if he stayed or went but what pisses me off is the clubs can't get a fair price on development of the talent they have at their disposal.
Players nominating clubs that aren't in a position to fairly compensate irks me.
Wasn't Brisbane using their 1st round pick up so we didn't get it for Dunkley. What's not to say Geelong go early in the trade and offload their pick 20 or what ever it may be. Agree. Couldn't give a rats about Smith and good on him as he free to do what he pleases. What i do want is a return on our investment and fair compensation. Sick of being screwed over time and time again like the AFL do with our fixturing and like Lions did with Dunkley. Happy to walk him if it means we don't become a laughing stock with what Geelong offer.

[angelopetraglia]

Bailey Smith

He grew up in East Malvern. He went to Xavier College. He is born with sublime genetics. He looks like a greek god carved out of stone. He has off the charts natural athletic talent. He was captain of his school football team and the Sandringham Dragons. He is an under 18 All Australian. He is taken number #7 in the draft. He never plays a VFL game, he goes straight into the AFL. He has more social media followers than any other AFL footballer. He is adored by the wider AFL community. He uses this popularity to monetise his position. As well as a lucrative AFL contract he is sponspored by Cotton On and Monster Energy. He has also appeared in campaigns for McDonalds, Kayo Sports and CoinSpot. He dates beautiful models for fun.

What an incredible run. A lot of hard work and dedication to his craft. No doubt. But also a massive dose of extreme luck when it comes to genetics and the privilgiege he was born into.

Yet somehow in all of this. Bailey Smith makes himself the victim.

[Grantysghost]

abc.net.au (https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-09-13/bailey-smith-trade-request-as-cotton-on-deal-looked-at/104336320)
Bailey Smith, Cotton On, and the Geelong Foootball Club — how a trade request from a star AFL player is raising eyebrows off the field Kyle Pollard
10–12 minutes


The announcement last week that Bulldogs star Bailey Smith was seeking a trade was met with an overwhelming "well duh" in AFL circles.
Rumours have been circulating for more than a year that Smith was unhappy at the Dogs, and that Geelong was his destination of choice.
It's no secret that the Cats have become the masters of luring big names to Kardinia Park.
It's also no secret that Smith has a financial deal with major Cats sponsor Cotton On, and that comment threads on social media lit up highlighting this very fact.
But how linked to the Geelong Football Club is Cotton On? And will the AFL look into a deal which — on the surface — is an eyebrow raiser?
Here's everything you need to know.
What is the Cotton On Group and who owns it?The Cotton On Group (COG) is a retail company founded in Geelong, which has more than 1,500 stores across 22 different countries.
While you're probably aware of the stock standard Cotton On clothing store, you might not have noticed that there always seems to be a Typo store close by as well — that's because COG also owns the popular stationary brand.
In fact, they have a heap of other brands in their stable as well, including but not limited to the youth threads shop Factorie, the Rubi shoe line, and women's fashion label Supr?.
https://live-production.wcms.abc-cdn.net.au/df4f0390e3554824f5455d3a5cea3eb8?impolicy=wcms_crop_resize&cropH=2350&cropW=3525&xPos=0&yPos=0&width=862&height=575

Nigel Austin with then head of women's wear Susanne Summers, global general manager Felicity McGahan, and model Lara Bingle during a brand launch in Santa Monica in 2014. (Getty Images: Mike Windle)
The company was founded by Nigel Austin in 1991, after he first started selling acid-washed denim jackets at Geelong's Beckley Markets in 1988 to earn a bit of cash while completing a business degree.
His supplier was his dad, Grant Austin, who was a clothing wholesaler.
Austin is the majority owner of Cotton On, while cousin Ash Hardwick is a co-owner. His brother, Michael Hardwick, is the chief financial officer. Austin's former wife, Tania, was also a crucial cog in getting the Cotton On machine moving, and is worth an estimated $814 million thanks to her ownership of fashion brand Decjuba.
And speaking of stables, Nigel Austin also owns Rosemont Stud, based in Ceres and Gnarwarre around the Barrabool Hills west of Geelong. The stud is run by former multi-platform sport journalist Anthony Mithen, who started his career at the Geelong Advertiser.
Austin's estimated net worth is close $2 billion.
https://live-production.wcms.abc-cdn.net.au/e89b0be5266da939b2051c4e1f13113e?impolicy=wcms_crop_resize&cropH=3333&cropW=5000&xPos=0&yPos=0&width=862&height=575

Patrick Dangerfield in Cotton On branded off-field gear during a Cats game. Cotton On has had an apparel deal with the club since 2016. (Getty Images: Dylan Burns)
How is the Geelong Football Club linked to Cotton On?Cotton On started an official partnership with the Cats in 2016 as their on and off-field apparel provider and sponsor.
But the links between the two go way back.
Via their philanthropic arm, the Cotton On Foundation, the company has worked with the club in various ways, including taking Cats players on trips to Uganda to see the work the foundation does with locals.
In 2010, premiership Cats Brad Ottens and Tom Lonergan joined a team that included Cotton On employees and a photo journalist from the Geelong Advertiser on a trip to the village of Mannya.
"Cotton On has created a relationship with a group over in Uganda and they are helping build the community," Lonergan said at the time.
"Brad and I thought it would be a great experience to travel over there and that's how it turned out."
The company also partners with players and family members on fashion projects.
https://live-production.wcms.abc-cdn.net.au/8c60bf5fce169d53709a84233be551c3?impolicy=wcms_crop_resize&cropH=883&cropW=1177&xPos=46&yPos=0&width=862&height=647

Emma Hawkins, who is married to Cats star Tom, models for Ceres Life, a brand owned by Cotton On. (Instagram: @cereslife )
The club's 2016 announcement of their apparel deal highlighted the fact that Josh Caddy, Mitch Duncan, George Horlin-Smith and Scott Selwood had helped develop the new uniform, while also saying Patrick Dangerfield had put his touch on the kit by requesting a pocket on the shorts for his mouthguard.
In 2020, Cotton On helped launch the brand Ceres Life, which was created by Geelong local and Cotton On group executive for trend and innovation Julie Christy. Named after the town of Ceres — where Rosemont Stud is based — the brand is aimed at women over 35 years of age, with a focus on being environmentally friendly.
Emma Hawkins, wife of Cats legend Tom Hawkins and co-founder of children clothes company Homegrown Kids, is a brand ambassador for Ceres Life (https://lmbmanagement.com.au/client/ceres-life/). The Hawkins family also lives on a farm in the region (https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-09-25/analysis-how-geelong-turned-its-weakness-into-its-strength-/101471920).
On top of that, earlier this year the club announced that key forward heir apparent to Hawkins, Shannon Neale, was working in collaboration with Cotton On to create a fashion line called The Scratch Project (https://www.geelongcats.com.au/news/1580717/the-scratch-project-a-collaboration-with-cotton-on-and-the-cats-shop).
So how is Bailey Smith linked to Cotton On?Smith, who started his career in 2019 and became one of the best players in the AFL by 2021, posted a video in January 2022 modelling for Cotton On.
As one of the most recognisable players in the league, with 330,000 Instagram followers, the partnership makes sense for the brand.
By September 2023, the pair had partnered up to create a fashion line designed by Smith.
"Designing this range with the Cotton On Team was great, I do have an artistic side, and the brand (Cotton On) was able to help bring a lot of my visions to life in a way that I’m really proud of," Smith said at the time.
"It was important to me to be involved in all steps of the process for each piece in the collection, as I wanted the range to be a reflection of the clothing I love to wear."
Incidentally, trade rumours had begun around July 2023, with discussions focused around his drop in form amid claims he was being played out of position at the Bulldogs.
What are the AFL's rules around third-party payments?In 2012, the AFL changed the rules around third-party payments in direct response to Carlton star Chris Judd's role as an ambassador to the Visy packaging company,
Judd had joined the Blues in 2008 after leaving West Coast, and was paid a rumoured $200,000 a year to be the face of Visy, which Judd's agent at the time said was an inaccurate figure.
Visy boss Richard Pratt was the Carlton president at the time.
https://live-production.wcms.abc-cdn.net.au/f765331129b10de085a875f895573c30?impolicy=wcms_crop_resize&cropH=2500&cropW=3750&xPos=106&yPos=0&width=862&height=575

Stephen Kernahan and Chris Judd in 2010. Judd had a significant third-party financial deal with club sponsors Visy.
The change to the rules in 2012 meant the club had to record the payment under the Additional Services Agreement — essentially meaning it had to be recorded within the salary cap — going from paying none of the money, to half of it, and eventually all of it.
The deal was killed off in 2015.
Under the new rules, everything is means tested.
In the old days, a star footballer could be on the books for a company, earn a mint for a few appearances at some shops or events, and walk away with a lot of money for not doing much.
The new rule essentially banned that from happening.
https://live-production.wcms.abc-cdn.net.au/31356f512b99f33fac7a365b51f63373?impolicy=wcms_crop_resize&cropH=514&cropW=771&xPos=4&yPos=0&width=862&height=575

Hawks champs Leigh Matthews and Don Scott promoting Canadian Pacific airlines in the 1970s. Brand deals with footballers have been around for almost as long as the game itself. (Supplied)
The complication with Smith is that he has significant social media reach and is hands on with his fashion brand, meaning it's difficult to means test his true value to Cotton On.
What can't be argued against is that the Cotton On relationship started while Smith was at the Western Bulldogs. If he did happen to end up at Geelong, the AFL would be keeping a close eye on future payments to ensure a consistent flow.
Again, however, an argument could be made that increased future payments came as the result of increased exposure of being at a larger club and having a greater profile.
So what does it all mean for a Bailey Smith to Geelong trade?Ultimately, Smith is yet to nominate the club he wants to land at and that's likely because whichever club it is remains in the finals hunt.
Hawthorn is still a small chance of snaring the dynamic midfielder, but Geelong looks for all intents and purposes to be his future home.
The conspiracy theorists will claim Geelong knew what it was doing three years ago and set Cotton On onto Smith following his breakout 2021 season, knowing that their key midfielders in Dangerfield and Joel Selwood would likely be gone or close to going by the end of Smith's contract.
The non-conspiracy theorists would say Cotton On are just really good at marketing their product, and that Smith — with his mass social media following and iconic haircut — was the perfect ambassador for a product aimed at Australian youth.
https://live-production.wcms.abc-cdn.net.au/9134165e213246d5ef1ce1b2a489707b?impolicy=wcms_crop_resize&cropH=1359&cropW=1812&xPos=113&yPos=0&width=862&height=647

Zach Tuohy and Bailey Smith after a match in 2022. The retiring Tuohy won't be at the Cats next year — but will Smith? (Getty Images: Dylan Burns)
Either way, Geelong continues to plant its flag as a destination club for big name players.
Where once it was only the mighty Melbourne clubs like Collingwood and Carlton that could lure marquee stars, Geelong's track record of having a strong culture, a more relaxed lifestyle, and a constant dog in the finals fight is proving tantalising.
When they won the flag in 2007, three of their starting 22 had started their careers at other clubs.
In their qualifying final win against Port Adelaide this year, that number was eight.
Over the years since 2007, most of Geelong's trade targets have either had a link to the Geelong or south-west region, a family member already at the club, or were on the outer at their old team.
Smith is a different prospect.
Born and raised in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne as a Hawthorn supporter, and attending Xavier College, the only thing on the surface that links the exciting Bulldog to Geelong is his deal with Cotton On.
But a surface level look at why Smith would want to change clubs would be a mistake given Geelong's unique qualities.
In a quickly deleted post on his Instagram page earlier in the week, Smith wrote "reminder: there's two sides to every story", followed by a clown emoji.
Whichever team lands Smith, they will hope his on-field abilities do the talking and they get the wins on the board.
But with all eyes following that flowing blond mullet and his every move ahead of the trade period, there's one thing that's certain — team Cotton On will feel they're already kicking bags of goals.

[Happy Days]

Cool. All very cool.

Side note - thats what the Cotton On guy looks like? Far be it from me to tell him how to run a business but personally I think dressing like absolute shit is a bad look for an alleged fashion brand CEO.

[EasternWest]

In light of the direction this conversation has taken now seems like a good time to drop this back into the chat.

https://i.postimg.cc/SKqv9HP8/images-4.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[Grantysghost]

Cool. All very cool.

Side note - thats what the Cotton On guy looks like? Far be it from me to tell him how to run a business but personally I think dressing like absolute shit is a bad look for an alleged fashion brand CEO.

2 billion dollar net worth and still looks like a stable hand.

[Happy Days]

In light of the direction this conversation has taken now seems like a good time to drop this back into the chat.

https://i.postimg.cc/SKqv9HP8/images-4.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

In my heart this was the moment I knew it was all over. Annoying that he was even allowed over the Bridge.

[Curly5]

Bailey Smith has given the club (and its supporters) immeasurably more than the club has given him.

He didn't pick the club.

They picked him. And for good reason.

Exceptional talent and a lifetime of dedication, seriously hard work, discipline and training to become the elite sportsman he is.

Every game he played he made the team better.

For 105 quality games.

The club gives him a few dollars for a few years, until it doesn't suit them to continue (think Jackson Mac.) The payment is actually nothing compared with the life energy an elite athlete gives the club.

Whether he wants to stay or go is up to him. Not everyone wants to be a one club player.

Whether he meets the punter's standards on everything - from having a few up to regular attendance at Church - is his business not that of the great moral majority.

Give the guy a break and be grateful for what he has done for our team.

Wish him well and look to the future development of our squad, those that love being where they are.

I just feel there's way more going/has gone on behind the scenes than we will ever be aware of. I like Baz and wish he wasn't going. I wish he'd sorted out his issues with the club and vice versa, whatever they are.

But he's become something other than a footballer, and sees himself as other than the rest. It's distanced him from his current teammates; maybe after a honeymoon period at Geelong or wherever, the same issues will emerge.

[Sedat]

It was obvious 12 months ago that this is a brown paper bags play to smash out the coin. We are all over-thinking the reasons for this trade request. He simply wants a tonne of cash and is more than happy to get it under the table through his biggest off-field endorsement, which just happens to also be the major apparel naming rights sponsor of his destination club.

The media and his management are trying to run interference and play other angles about discontent being played out of position, wanting a fresh start, #CoAsTaLLiFesTyLe, yada yada yada.....but this is nothing more than a money play. And that's fair enough - it's up to the AFEL to make sure everything is done legit lol

If he was addicted to tortillas and had a multi-million dollar off-field endorsement with Mission, he'd be happy to play back pocket at the kennel for the rest of his career.

[Mofra]

I don't hate Bailey, I'm completely indifferent to his existence beyond what he can net us in picks in the upcoming trade period.

[Grantysghost]

@sedat that tortillas line made me Lolz hard. Gold mate.

[Sedat]

In light of the direction this conversation has taken now seems like a good time to drop this back into the chat.

https://i.postimg.cc/SKqv9HP8/images-4.jpg (https://postimages.org/)
I'd love him a whole lot more if he was wearing a balaclava and throwing Molotov cocktails while standing next to some random psychopath Greens pollie

[Sedat]

@sedat that tortillas line made me Lolz hard. Gold mate.
He's a bankable young athlete who is trying to make hay while he still has currency. I always respect the hustle.

[Happy Days]

I'd love him a whole lot more if he was wearing a balaclava and throwing Molotov cocktails while standing next to some random psychopath Greens pollie

This but unironically

[Sedat]

This but unironically
You know I hate them all, Dirty Harry style

[bornadog]

You know I hate them all, Dirty Harry style

You have never said that before:D

[SquirrelGrip]

It was obvious 12 months ago that this is a brown paper bags play to smash out the coin. We are all over-thinking the reasons for this trade request. He simply wants a tonne of cash and is more than happy to get it under the table through his biggest off-field endorsement, which just happens to also be the major apparel naming rights sponsor of his destination club.

The media and his management are trying to run interference and play other angles about discontent being played out of position, wanting a fresh start, #CoAsTaLLiFesTyLe, yada yada yada.....but this is nothing more than a money play. And that's fair enough - it's up to the AFEL to make sure everything is done legit lol

If he was addicted to tortillas and had a multi-million dollar off-field endorsement with Mission, he'd be happy to play back pocket at the kennel for the rest of his career.

The other element which hasn't got a lot of airtime yet is his manager Connors' connection to the Cats, plus the fact that managers can get a far greater percentage of earnings from outside football earnings than from his footy salary, for example a percentage with Barry's (definitely not for teenage girls) alcopops. BS's footy salary won't be excessive, but a forensic accountant would have a field day finding everything else he's earning (and his manager is benefitting from).

The managers are bigger than the players.

[Sedat]

The other element which hasn't got a lot of airtime yet is his manager Connors' connection to the Cats, plus the fact that managers can get a far greater percentage of earnings from outside football earnings than from his footy salary, for example a percentage with Barry's (definitely not for teenage girls) alcopops. BS's footy salary won't be excessive, but a forensic accountant would have a field day finding everything else he's earning (and his manager is benefitting from).

The managers are bigger than the players.
Yep, Connors is a big time agent and to be honest if I was a player/coach I would love to be represented by him. He gets the absolute maximum for his clients and always gets the deal done - very rarely are they left in the lurch at the end of the trade period.

I believe we have a pretty good working relationship with him and his team? Other agents like Pickering are more the old school bluff and bluster cowboy types - Connors seems to glide through with a minimum of fuss and just gets it done.

[angelopetraglia]

The other element which hasn't got a lot of airtime yet is his manager Connors' connection to the Cats, plus the fact that managers can get a far greater percentage of earnings from outside football earnings than from his footy salary, for example a percentage with Barry's (definitely not for teenage girls) alcopops. BS's footy salary won't be excessive, but a forensic accountant would have a field day finding everything else he's earning (and his manager is benefitting from).

The managers are bigger than the players.

100%. Great post.

“Show me the incentive and I'll show you the outcome.”

[angelopetraglia]

"The AFL Players’ Association’s 108 accredited player agents receive commission of 4 per cent on football contracts and a juicy 20 per cent on marketing deals from their clients."

Source: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/inside-the-football-economy-highest-and-lowest-paying-jobs-in-the-afl-revealed/news-story/933265c42c210c71541ee800d15b478d?amp

[Bullies]

"The AFL Players’ Association’s 108 accredited player agents receive commission of 4 per cent on football contracts and a juicy 20 per cent on marketing deals from their clients."

Source: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/inside-the-football-economy-highest-and-lowest-paying-jobs-in-the-afl-revealed/news-story/933265c42c210c71541ee800d15b478d?amp A lot of the "work" Bailey will do for Cotton On etc will be paid into Companies set up by O'Connor and his Management Team.

[anfo27]

Bailey is worth a whole lot more to Geelong than he is to us. Their trade offer needs to reflect that other wise we should stand firm & Bailey can go play for Richmond. Bailey walks into the draft & we lose a pick close to 20, while the cats lose Bailey Smith. They have far more to lose in this situation than we do & we need to play this hand accordingly. Its not hard, just takes some balls.

[D Mitchell]

A lot of the "work" Bailey will do for Cotton On etc will be paid into Companies set up by O'Connor and his Management Team.

Somewhere along the line the O' migrated from the commencement of the surname to its end then morphed into an s. Intriguing. That might be most interesting thing about the man.

[Grantysghost]

Caption competition
https://i.postimg.cc/Lsvzsh2H/images-1.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[josie]

Caption competition
https://i.postimg.cc/Lsvzsh2H/images-1.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

I?m worth to first rounders not 1, so stick that up yer clacker.

[GVGjr]

Caption competition
https://i.postimg.cc/Lsvzsh2H/images-1.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

Roses are Red
Violets are not
I know this is my own reflection
But I think I'm hot.

[jazzadogs]

Caption competition
https://i.postimg.cc/Lsvzsh2H/images-1.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

I think he just saw angelopetraglia and his "BAZLENKA SELLS ALCOHOL TO UNDERAGE GIRLS" sign.

[Hotdog60]

Caption competition
https://i.postimg.cc/Lsvzsh2H/images-1.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

I'm too sexy for my shirt
Too sexy for my shirt
So sexy it hurts
And I'm too sexy for Milan
Too sexy for Milan
New York, and Japan
And I'm too sexy for your party
Too sexy for your party
No way I'm disco dancing
Get stuffed!

[Rocket Science]

Caption competition
https://i.postimg.cc/Lsvzsh2H/images-1.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

Baz, every time a leading forward asks him to hit them on the tit.

[Grantysghost]

Baz, every time a leading forward asks him to hit them on the tit.
Ha clubhouse leader.

[Grantysghost]

Caption competition
https://i.postimg.cc/Lsvzsh2H/images-1.jpg (https://postimages.org/)
"that's right, my shirt is Two sizes too big!"

[azabob]

Caption competition
https://i.postimg.cc/Lsvzsh2H/images-1.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

This is my new high school uniform range designed to compliment my alco pop drink target audience.

[Grantysghost]

This is my new high school uniform range designed to compliment my alco pop drink target audience.
That's exactly what I thought, it does look very high school uniform!

[comrade]

Guess whose Mum just got promoted to Senior Vice President of Synergy at Cotton On, bitches!

[The Underdog]

This is my new high school uniform range designed to compliment my alco pop drink target audience.

Remember when he was just an u18?s footballer so dedicated to making it that he?d never tasted alcohol? Those were the days.

Just a reminder to never believe the bullshit kids.

[SonofScray]

Remember when he was just an u18?s footballer so dedicated to making it that he?d never tasted alcohol? Those were the days.

Just a reminder to never believe the bullshit kids.

Also : Praise be, in my spare time I like to read the Bible and recite passages from Ecclesiasticus with a group of Georgian monks.

[Sedat]

His ironing game sucks. Pretty sloppy for a fashion mogul.

[ReLoad]

Also : Praise be, in my spare time I like to read the Bible and recite passages from Ecclesiasticus with a group of Georgian monks.

Under his eye.

[josie]

Under his eye.

Blessed be the fruit, dear OfBailey.

[Go_Dogs]

I?m late to this thread but if anyone believes the steaming pile of Baz didn?t drink pre draft they?re fooling themselves. He sold a great story. That was all.

[G-Mo77]

Has anyone moved on already from him? Maybe I'm getting used to it? I just don't care, give us a pick and go Baz.

[EasternWest]

Has anyone moved on already from him? Maybe I'm getting used to it? I just don't care, give us a pick and go Baz.

Some of us moved on from him two years ago

[GVGjr]

Has anyone moved on already from him? Maybe I'm getting used to it? I just don't care, give us a pick and go Baz.

I hope he finds what he's searching for and that he stays healthy but yes I've moved on from him.

[ledge]

I’m interested to see how he does and if he does well it’s not against us.
Let’s face it he can play, sad to see him go but that’s football nowadays.
We got a taste of footy without him this year and it’s not a disaster.
I look forward to what we can get for him and Macrae , I hope at least one is a diamond.

[bulldogtragic]

Pick 17-18 this year:

Potential compo pushing out: Battle

Potential FS/NGA: Ashcroft, Lombard, Kako & Camporeale


Potentially Pick 22-23 is Geelong’s First.

It’s seriously add in the F1 and haggle about what/if anything goes back or PSD.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

So Bailey is really gonna come out in a little over a week and say "yeah I wanna join the Premiers".

Douche.

[chef]

Pick 17-18 this year:

Potential compo pushing out: Battle

Potential FS/NGA: Ashcroft, Lombard, Kako & Camporeale


Potentially Pick 22-23 is Geelong?s First.

It?s seriously add in the F1 and haggle about what/if anything goes back or PSD.

We are so going to talk tough all week then roll over at the minute.

[chef]

So Bailey is really gonna come out in a little over a week and say "yeah I wanna join the Premiers".

Douche.

I guess can you blame him, better place to live, better team to play in and get a better contract.

[Grantysghost]

I guess can you blame him, better place to live, better team to play in and get a better contract.
That's debatable better place to live :cool:

My day was Alien Romulus in a lush theatre, lunch at Gradi, then to Mannys in Fitzroy to play a new Gibson then coffee at The Fitz and a walk through the Gardens.

Melbourne is pretty fkn ace!

Btw alien go see it. In a theatre with atmos sooo good.

[bornadog]

That's debatable better place to live :cool:

My day was Alien Romulus in a lush theatre, lunch at Gradi, then to Mannys in Fitzroy to play a new Gibson then coffee at The Fitz and a walk through the Gardens.

Melbourne is pretty fkn ace!

Btw alien go see it. In a theatre with atmos sooo good.

Melbourne = the best

[chef]

Much better lifestyle outside of cities.

[chef]

That's debatable better place to live :cool:

My day was Alien Romulus in a lush theatre, lunch at Gradi, then to Mannys in Fitzroy to play a new Gibson then coffee at The Fitz and a walk through the Gardens.

Melbourne is pretty fkn ace!

Btw alien go see it. In a theatre with atmos sooo good.

Yeah it is debatable, I guess you could do all those things anywhere.

5 years was enough for me in Melbourne, don't know how you guys choose to live there haha.

[bulldogtragic]

Updated: Thanks Lions

Pick 15 this year:

Potential compo pushing out: Battle

Potential FS/NGA: Ashcroft & Lombard, maybe Kako & Camporeale


Potentially Pick 18-20 is Geelong’s First.

It’s seriously add in the F1 and haggle about what/if anything goes back or PSD.

[GVGjr]

5 years was enough for me in Melbourne, don't know how you guys choose to live there haha.

Quitter :)

[Prince Imperial]

Just 35 disposals tonight to Bowes, Atkins and Bruhn.

They really need Smith.

It's time to make them pay up.

[Prince Imperial]

Just 35 disposals tonight to Bowes, Atkins and Bruhn.

They really need Smith.

It's time to make them pay up.

Beaten by 10 in the clearances despite the Big O's injury woes.

[bornadog]

Beaten by 10 in the clearances despite the Big O's injury woes.

What, but those hitouts 30 plus more :D

[jeemak]

They'll be so relieved to know that Bailey Smith is going to come and make them better. Do wonders for their culture.

[anfo27]

Has anyone moved on already from him? Maybe I'm getting used to it? I just don't care, give us a pick and go Baz.

No issues with Baz going but don't want to send him somewhere that he will shine & play in flags while we get not much. Would rather get nothing & cats midfield remains crap & he ends up a tiger where they will struggle the next 5 years.

[The Underdog]

No issues with Baz going but don't want to send him somewhere that he will shine & play in flags while we get not much. Would rather get nothing & cats midfield remains crap & he ends up a tiger where they will struggle the next 5 years.

I have full belief the Cats midfield can be average with Baz in it.

[bornadog]

Hope he enjoyed the loss - traitor


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GYEAQtdb0AM7mPA?format=jpg&name=small

[bulldogtragic]

Hope he enjoyed the loss - traitor


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GYEAQtdb0AM7mPA?format=jpg&name=small

I’m on board. Send him to the PSD for the lols.

[Grantysghost]

I’m on board. Send him to the PSD for the lols.
Sitting with the cats players like he's already there isn't the greatest idea hey.

Not sure it will matter in any way, but does leave a bit of a sour taste.

He's been gone for a long time.

[bornadog]

Sitting with the cats players like he's already there isn't the greatest idea hey.

Not sure it will matter in any way, but does leave a bit of a sour taste.

He's been gone for a long time.

I would still like to know the real reason he is leaving. Is it the length of contract, the money, the opportunities presented to him?

[Sedat]

Huge lol from yesterday is that Geelong finish the season 4th and actually below the team they destroyed by 86 points in a final 2 weeks ago.

Also Geelongs midfield was trash in the 2nd half yesterday and eesperstely need someone like Smith. Let's screw them hard - I'm confident that a hard-arse like Power will do exactly that.

[Grantysghost]

I would still like to know the real reason he is leaving. Is it the length of contract, the money, the opportunities presented to him?
Probably all 3 plus Brown paper bags and the cOaStAl lIfEsTyLe

He can get out on the gear with Stengle and no one will care.

[bulldogtragic]

Sitting with the cats players like he's already there isn't the greatest idea hey.

Not sure it will matter in any way, but does leave a bit of a sour taste.

He's been gone for a long time.

He’s been checked out all year. But between his actions and his now deleted insta post, someone needs to explain about crossing the bridge first before burning it down.

[bulldogtragic]

Hope he enjoyed the loss - traitor


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GYEAQtdb0AM7mPA?format=jpg&name=small

Seriously though. Changed my mind, two firsts or PSD.

Like when selling a house, and the eventual purchasers are walking around talking about where their furniture is going etc. They are fully invested in getting him, and he’s fully invested in getting there. That’s to our advantage. So frankly, I wouldn’t hand back a future pick now with this public display of them both declaring their hands.

First & F1 or PSD.

[jeemak]

The brazenness is pretty full on, even for an egotist like Smith.

They better be prepared to cough up the good stuff if they don't want to look silly.

[bulldogtragic]

The brazenness is pretty full on, even for an egotist like Smith.

They better be prepared to cough up the good stuff if they don't want to look silly.

They’ve both wayyy overplayed their hands. I think after the initial jarring response, Sam Power would love seeing this.

[jazzadogs]

Hope he enjoyed the loss - traitor


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GYEAQtdb0AM7mPA?format=jpg&name=small

My initial response was what the actual f***.

I have softened to 'they're probably cotton on seats...what the actual f***'

The bloke just doesn't care, and nobody will dare to call him out on it. Petracca copping heat but Baz just doing what suits him.

[Rocket Science]

Actually refrained from jesting last night that Baz might've been spied nestled between Rohan and Hawkins but I clearly sold the narcissistic prick short.

F**k me. Get the deal done first thing tomorrow then hose out the prick's locker with something industrial strength.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Proving he's a selfish, narcissistic liar.

Good fit for that club.

[anfo27]

Got no negative feelings towards Baz at all, have plenty at Geelong though. Hope he has a great career at Richmond & doesn't play in a flag.

[Rocket Science]

It's going to be next level ugly when we invariably draw those arseholes to open the season.

Replete with a very mature debate about mental health implications.

[comrade]

Come on guys, two sides to every story.

Lol.

[bulldogtragic]

Come on guys, two sides to every story.

Lol.

No clown emoji?

[ReLoad]

Come on guys, two sides to every story.

Lol.

There’s two sides to every story, and each of those sides has two stories, which in turn has a pair of sides. Of course each of those sides indeed has a story.

Oh look I’ve just written the first page to Bailey Smiths Autobiography; “white lines, each with their own story”. Forwarded by Patrick Dangerfield.

[ledge]

It would be interesting to hear his side,
I would like to know the clubs side as well.
All we hear as fans is he wants out.
It’s definitely not due to what happened this year.
What actually got to this point where he wanted to go and we weren’t exactly screaming to keep him.
It seems both sides just did what they had to in regards to his contract.

[Grantysghost]

Come on guys, two sides to every story.

Lol.

All I can think of with that comment and the copious posts around "his lateral movement displays" is that he wanted to play, and the club said no and didn't want him around as a distraction.

So the relationship had clearly soured.

[bornadog]

All I can think of with that comment and the copious posts around "his lateral movement displays" is that he wanted to play, and the club said no and didn't want him around as a distraction.

So the relationship had clearly soured.

So you are saying he is a sook:D

[Rocket Science]

Lovely bit of hubris on the Cats too, persisting with the pantomime of asking Smith not to nominate yet because of vague professional protocols but then being all nah f**k it, come sit in our cheer squad for a game, what're they gonna do?

There are gracious ways to exit a club that drafted you and invested a year putting you back together while another club's been in your ear. Magnanimous ways. Respectful even, that costs you nothing.

And then there's whatever this exercise is.

[Grantysghost]

So you are saying he is a sook:D

I don't know what he is.

Annoying at this point the whole situation and it has been ever since the nose beers incident.

Hopefully we all move on happy - although Mackie is going to play hard ball for sure.

We don't have a lot of hand in the situation once a player nominates, however, considering the way Bailey has behaved in the last month or so (insta post, going on the today show I mean jeez man just pull your head in for 5 mins, and sitting with the Cats) I would not be surprised if people like Luke Darcy might call for making a tough stand here.

I don't think it's a good idea - however, if I let my emotions in for a minute it feels like it's time we stopped playing Mr Nice Club.

Edit : To add to this - The Lions have made 2 GFs since Dunkley arrived.

[Happy Days]

Yeah let’s do PSD. I actually couldn’t care less about pick 30 I want blood.

[GVGjr]

I'm not sure why but I think a reasonable deal will be struck but it's likely to go down to the wire which could limit us do some other things.
Paul Connors will put a lot of threats and pressure on both clubs to get it done and both clubs will reluctantly listen to him.
We will have the high ground, picks, a pick this year and/or next and a pick and player will be considered.
At the end a deal will be done providing we have some conviction with the PSD option.

[Grantysghost]

I'm not sure why but I think a reasonable deal will be struck but it's likely to go down to the wire which could limit us do some other things.
Paul Connors will put a lot of threats and pressure on both clubs to get it done and both clubs will reluctantly listen to him.
We will have the high ground, picks, a pick this year and/or next and a pick and player will be considered.
At the end a deal will be done providing we have some conviction with the PSD option.
Re the PSD couldn't the Cats and Bailey just work out a massively front ended contract that no one else would touch?

It's not like the Tigers are going to pay two mill for a guy who doesn't want to be there for eg.

[Sedat]

I'm not sure why but I think a reasonable deal will be struck but it's likely to go down to the wire which could limit us do some other things.
Paul Connors will put a lot of threats and pressure on both clubs to get it done and both clubs will reluctantly listen to him.
We will have the high ground, picks, a pick this year and/or next and a pick and player will be considered.
At the end a deal will be done providing we have some conviction with the PSD option.
As much as I love the idea of PSD, Connors just gets things done for his clients - that's actually a negative for Geelong/Mackie because the onus is fully on them to come to the table with an attractive enough deal to get Smith. From our side of the fence, I'm confident Power will extract every possible collateral out of the situation and we can move forward with a better draft/list hand before next season starts.

[Grantysghost]

As much as I love the idea of PSD, Connors just gets things done for his clients - that's actually a negative for Geelong/Mackie because the onus is fully on them to come to the table with an attractive enough deal to get Smith. From our side of the fence, I'm confident Power will extract every possible collateral out of the situation and we can move forward with a better draft/list hand before next season starts.
A guy who can't even update the TLS cert for his website can't be trusted.

[Sedat]

A guy who can't even update the TLS cert for his website can't be trusted.
Have no idea what that means but Connors and his team generally squeal the least out of the player manager cohort - they are stealthy and tend to get everything done for the players they represent. And I think we have a pretty solid relationship with him, unlike say a Pickering old school cowboy type who uses the media to overtly pressure clubs to fold.