Hawthorn not giving up on pursuit of Bulldogs star:
AFL business news

Hawthorn are said to be among those interested in securing the services of Western Bulldogs midfielder Bailey Smith after a difficult year and rumors of a possible swap deal have emerged.

 

It was reported in August that Hawthorn had announced an interest in adding Smith to their squad as they continue to build one of the most impressive young squads in the game.

It is thought that Smith could ask the Bulldogs for a trade in hopes of getting more time at quarterback.

This season has not been Smith’s best with 23.5 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and 3.6 clearances per game as he has struggled with injuries and a dip in form in throughout the year due to location changes. His scoreboard impact was also the lowest of his career with just four goals in 2023. According to Sam McClure via the Tradies podcast, the Hawks are willing to give up Pick 3 in the upcoming draft to complete the trade. But the debate will be whether this move allows Smith to return to top form or whether it would be better to take a chance on one of the top draft prospects.

“My understanding is that Hawthorn hasn’t given up on the pursuit,” McClure said of Smith.

“They are still willing to part with Pick 3 for him. This is a quantifiable number at AFL level and you would lose him for 10 years compared to Pick 3, which could be hit or miss. “Bailey Smith was one of the best players in the league not too long ago. I know he’s had problems since then.

In early September, Bulldogs list manager Sam Power spoke to AFL.com.au’s Gettable and said Smith would remain at the kennel for a “very long time”.

“Obviously, Bailey makes people curious. He is the one who will attract more attention and media coverage about it. But again, (he) is a signed player and extremely important for us,” Power said. “Long term, we’ve talked about our midfield profile, there are a few guys that are getting a bit old and Bailey is someone we’ve really wanted to be that inside midfielder for a long time.

“He’s a great player, the best football we’ve seen from him is really good and we know he’s going to have a good career ahead of him and improve on what he already has. create.”

Geelong were also said to have attempted to rob the midfielder, but have since denied any allegations of further attempts. However, it is still believed that the club have held talks to lure him into the fold.

The trade period begins Monday, October 9, and any move for Smith would be one of the biggest this offseason.

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Hawthorn is understood to have expressed interest in trading for the top pick in this year’s national draft. The Hawks, currently in third place going into the November carnival, are considered among the sides keen to secure the services of Harley Reid and are willing to explore the option of a trade to secure their capture. he.

In addition to the third overall pick, Hawthorn currently owns picks 22 and 77 in this year’s draft and will likely spend a future first-round pick in an attempt to land the Coast’s No. 1 pick West.

Hawks forward Tyler Brockman recently requested a trade from Hawthorn to the West Coast, with AFL Media reporter Cal Twomey believing the leaked live wire could be part of the Waverley club’s possible plans to Guaranteed to be a highly rated pick this year.

“Hawthorn would explore moving from Pick 3 to Pick 1. That would have to involve Pick 3, their future first round pick and you would also suggest adding Tyler Brockman,” said Cal Twomey via AFL Trade Radio on Wednesday.