Geelong has reached out to the Western Bulldogs to alleviate fears the Cats are targeting star midfielder Bailey Smith, reports The Herald Sun.
Reports earlier this month stated Geelong had significant interest in Smith and were actively exploring a trade for the hard-running gun despite him being contracted until the end of 2024.
But according to The Herald Sun, a senior Cats official approached a colleague at the Dogs to deny the rumoured bid.
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Smith has been below his best form in 2023, playing predominantly across half forward, averaging 24.5 disposals and 4.1 inside 50s from 15 games.
The 22-year old returned from illness against the Bombers and played one of his best games in weeks, racking up 25 disposals and a team-high six tackles.
Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge post match praised Smith for being “really influential” in a more team-orientated role.
“He’s probably one of the players I speak of when I say some of them had to sacrifice what they normally do a little bit,” he said.
“Let’s not be distracted by who goes to centre bounce or not … he’s playing as a midfielder normally, but we did need him to playa little bit more as a forward tonight based on what happened earlier in the game.
“We needed to stop their uncontested marks and intercept game, so we did ask him to play away from the stoppage at times.”
BOMBERS EXPECTED TO LAND MCKAY
Kangaroos free agent Ben McKay is likely to land at Essendon at season’s end, according to SEN’s Sam Edmund.
A report last month said the cashed-up Bombers were set to make McKay their number one target in a bid to reunite the defender with former coach Brad Scott.
It’s also been reported the Kangaroos were open to parting ways with the 25-year old amid links if they could land a top-three pick as compensation.
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Speaking on SEN Breakfast, Edmund believes all signs point to McKay moving to Essendon on a deal that’d likely see the 17th-placed Roos, who already have Pick 2 based on current ladder position, also gain Pick 3.
“I think that’s the landing spot for Ben McKay, the Bombers,” Edmund told SEN radio.
“This is where it gets more interesting though, is what the compensation will spit out for a North Melbourne side who are going to formally apply for special assistance.
“Then we’re going to get something up the pointy end, potentially.”
Asked if the Kangaroos were resigned to McKay departing, Edmund bluntly responded: “Yep.
“I think it would be a shock if he stayed, a big shock. That’s probably the best way to put it.”
