May 27, 2025 — Melbourne, VIC
In a move that could redefine the balance of power in the AFL, Collingwood Football Club is reportedly on the verge of completing a blockbuster acquisition of star midfielder Bailey Smith, in what many are calling one of the most significant trades in recent Magpie history.
Sources close to the club suggest that the deal is “advanced”, with final details being negotiated between Collingwood and Geelong. If finalized, this would mark a midfield masterstroke for the reigning powerhouse and could set the tone for a new dynasty era at the AIA Centre.
The Deal at a Glance (Proposed):
•Collingwood receives:
•Bailey Smith (Midfielder, 24 years old)
•Geelong Cats receive:
•Finlay Macrae (Midfielder, 22)
•2025 First-Round Pick
•2026 Second-Round Pick
Why Bailey Smith? Why Now?
Bailey Smith has been one of the AFL’s most marketable and magnetic players since exploding onto the scene with the Western Bulldogs and now with the Geelong Cats. Known for his blistering run, fearless inside-outside midfield versatility, and unmatched endurance, Smith has become a game-changer — the type of player you build a premiership side around.
In 2025, Smith is averaging 31 disposals, 7 clearances, and 6 inside 50s per game, and he has ranked top-5 in total distance covered per match. His elite aerobic capacity and attacking flair make him a perfect weapon for a side like Collingwood that thrives on pressure, transition, and bold attacking football.
A Strategic Masterstroke by the Magpies
Collingwood already boasts a stacked midfield brigade, including:
•Nick Daicos — a Brownlow Medal contender and one of the best young players in the game.
•Jordan De Goey — an explosive, goal-kicking mid-forward hybrid.
•Tom Mitchell — a clearance specialist with elite IQ.
•Jack Crisp and Josh Daicos — proven runners and link-up men on the outside.
Adding Bailey Smith to that mix gives the Magpies a midfield with no visible weakness: toughness, speed, foot skills, endurance, goal sense — everything is there.
One Collingwood official reportedly said,
“This isn’t just a trade. It’s a blueprint for the next five years.”
Geelong’s Position: Reload, Not Rebuild
Geelong shocked the league in late 2023 when they landed Smith from the Bulldogs, but internal reports suggest the Cats may now be open to moving the star on due to cap pressure and a shifting timeline toward youth.
Receiving Fin Macrae — a developing ball-winner with high upside — plus two premium picks, would give the Cats valuable assets to pivot into a new-generation rebuild.
“It’s a trade that helps both sides,” one AFL analyst told SEN. “Collingwood goes for the kill. Geelong plays the long game.”
Fans React: Excitement, Shock, and Big Expectations
Social media is lighting up with reactions from fans and pundits:
•@PiesFaithful87: “Bailey Smith + Daicos = END GAME.”
•@CatPack4Life: “He’s a star, but we need the picks. Smart move if true.”
•@AFLHotTakes: “Smith to Collingwood just broke the league. You heard it here.”
Former players have weighed in as well. Dane Swan tweeted, “If we land Bailey Smith, good luck stopping us.”
The Bigger Picture: The Next AFL Superpower?
Collingwood has already proven they can win under pressure, with their 2023 premiership showing grit, talent, and chemistry. This potential signing doesn’t just make them better — it extends their window and sends a message to the rest of the league: The Magpies are building a dynasty.
If Bailey Smith dons the black and white stripes, it could go down as the defining move of the decade.
What’s Next?
Club sources expect formal confirmation by early next week, pending medicals and final pick swaps. AFL Trade Radio is expected to break in with live updates as soon as the deal becomes official.
Until then, footy fans can only watch, wait, and imagine:
Bailey Smith… in a Collingwood jumper… in September.
