Damian Barrett’s Update On Bailey Smith’s Future

Damian Barrett's update on Bailey Smith's future. Digitally altered image

Triple M Footy news breaker Damian Barrett gave an update on Bailey Smith’s future on today’s episode of the Midweek Rub.

DAMIAN BARRETT’S UPDATE ON BAILEY SMITH’S FUTURE:

“The holding position and holding pattern for this story is that he’s contracted for 2024,” Damo said on the Midweek Rub.

“We’ve now seen via way of Sam Edmund’s reporting that his management has told the club, and by extension the public, that he’s got every intent to stay.

“But there’s been too many clubs outside of the Bulldogs well aware of the possibility of wrenching Bailey out.

“We’ve all seen trade periods in this situation before, so until that deadline comes and goes — which will be mid to late October — this story is still alive.”

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Damo explained that there’s recent precedent for the Dogs dealing with an in-contract player.

“We’ve seen almost a blueprint for the Bulldogs will handle it,” he said.

“The Josh Dunkley attempt to get out of a contract three seasons ago, he was forced to stay.”

MORE ON THE WESTERN BULLDOGS:

Damo also had some insight on the clubs monitoring Bailey Smith’s status most closely.

“Geelong’s been keen even before this year, Hawthorn has got a strong awareness of the possibilities around it, and I can also tell you Collingwood is keen to see how it plays out,” he said.

“They’ve got a more pressing concern in the next month, but if it transpires that the name is still in the recruiters minds of other clubs, watch the Pies in that space.”

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Joey Montagna and Daisy Thomas also addressed the reasons behind Smith’s form slump and what his best position is.

The Midweek Rub crew also discussed Dave Barham’s comments about being happy with Essendon’s season, how Brodie Grundy’s impending trade will change how we view player movement, the All-Australian squad and plenty more.