There is a wildcard in the running for an out-of-contract Western Bulldogs pistol.
Meanwhile, star Eagle is “open to at least considering” leaving the West Coast – despite his contractual status – with another Victorian club “strongly” interested.
Stay up to date with the latest developments in player movement Trade whispers!
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Trac discusses family ‘frustration’ | 03:37
‘THERE IS A CLOSE LINK THERE’: WILDCARD IN RACE FOR WANTAWAY DOG?
Bailey Smith is one of the hottest names in player movement this year, having attracted noted interest from Victorian powerhouses Collingwood and Geelong.
However, Hawthorn could be the wildcard trade candidate for the off-contract midfielder.
Speaking of Fox Footy’s Midweek tackleHerald Sun journalist Glenn McFarlane shared his latest information on the Smith sweepstakes.
“Industry sources will tell you that Geelong has a desire to add that pacey, mature midfielder, and the Surf Coast has gained a bit of appeal,” McFarlane began on Tuesday night.
“Collingwood has been associated with (Smith) for a long time, we’ve talked about it here. Their 2024 draft manual will be the biggest concern – that’s why the situation is drying up a bit there. They will have to give up a future (draft pick).
“I think it’s now less likely to be Collingwood than Geelong.
‘In that sense I am not ruling out Hawthorn. Hawthorn can make a deal. Can Collingwood get a deal done? That’s the question mark.”
Herald Sun journalist Jon Ralph added: “There’s no way you can leave Collingwood out of the equation because he might say ‘I’ve got to play with Nick and Josh Daicos’ but I think they (Collingwood) are huge outsiders (to get Smith to bring in), right? now.”
Fellow Herald Sun journalist Jay Clark agreed: “I don’t think you can discount Hawthorn at this stage either – I think there’s a close connection there… He’s definitely gone (from the Bulldogs).”
Smith has not played football this year as he continues his rehabilitation from a pre-season ACL tear.
Hawkins will miss 6-8 weeks due to injury | 00:28
DOGS ‘HEAVY IN’ COOPERATED EAGLE
The Western Bulldogs are one of several clubs interested in acquiring the services of West Coast defender Tom Barrass.
Barrass, who is contracted to Lathlain until the end of the 2026 season before becoming eligible for unrestricted free agency, has reportedly attracted interest from Collingwood this year.
Ralph said the Bulldogs could parlay a potential Smith return into a trade package to dangle in front of the Eagles for Barrass, who is entering his 11th year with the club.
“We wrote a few months ago that the Dogs really loved Tom Barrass,” Ralph said Midweek tackle.
“I think they (the Bulldogs) absolutely knew Bailey was going, so that’s why they gave up 10, 17 and that future first for Ryley Sanders, who is doing well – he’s the midfielder that Bailey possibly wasn’t. in the past few years.
“They get (for example) pick 6 from Hawthorn, or they get a future first or whatever it is (in a Smith trade) – you trade that for Tom Barrass, who’s going to be 29, and I think he’s open to taking it on at least to consider.
“So you’ve got Liam Jones, you’ve got Tom Barrass, you’ve got an elite midfield… It’s the perfect time for them to give up a first-round pick for a guy who might have four or five years left on his contract. .”
Hypothetically, Barrass fits in very nicely alongside the blue chip players the Dogs already boast.
“The Bulldogs desperately need a player of Tom Barrass’ caliber to strengthen the entire backline,” added Jay Clark.
“You have Marcus Bontempelli, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and Aaron Naughton back in the team – they are winning now and Tom Barrass is winning now.”
