Collingwood Ready to Splash $20 Million for Bailey Smith in Mega AFL Deal
In a blockbuster development that could rock the AFL landscape, Collingwood Football Club is reportedly preparing an audacious $20 million bid to prise superstar midfielder Bailey Smith away from Geelong Cats.
Sources close to the Magpies have revealed that club president Barry Carp and football boss Craig McRae are spearheading negotiations aimed at pulling off what would be one of the most expensive deals in league history. The proposed long-term contract would see Smith earn approximately $3.3 million annually over six years — a figure that dwarfs most current AFL player salaries.
Despite Smith only arriving at Geelong in late 2024 following a high-profile trade from the Western Bulldogs, Collingwood is convinced that the 24-year-old remains the missing piece in their midfield puzzle. The Pies are reportedly willing to offload senior players, restructure their salary cap, and part with high draft capital to make the dream move a reality.
Pies Go All In
“This is not just a football decision — it’s a cultural one,” said one club insider. “Bailey Smith is a generational player. He’s a commercial juggernaut and a leader in the making. Collingwood sees him as someone who can define the club’s next decade.”
Collingwood coach Craig McRae is also believed to be a huge admirer of Smith’s explosive running game, elite ball use, and marketability off the field. “He brings flair, aggression, and a competitive edge,” one club source noted. “He’s the sort of player who makes others better around him.”
Geelong Digging In
However, the Cats are unlikely to part ways easily with the mullet-haired midfielder, who has quickly become a fan favourite at GMHBA Stadium. Having signed a multi-year deal just nine months ago, Smith is under contract until at least 2030.
Geelong list manager Andrew Mackie has publicly maintained the club’s position that Smith is “not for sale under any circumstances.” But with Collingwood’s offer potentially including multiple first-round picks and a generational financial package, pressure may mount internally.
The Smith Factor
Bailey Smith’s brand power off the field is almost unmatched. With over 400,000 Instagram followers, major sponsorship deals, and a loyal fanbase, he commands a level of public attention that few AFL players can rival. His footballing ability — averaging 26 disposals and six score involvements per game this season — only strengthens the argument for such a hefty investment.
Rival Clubs on Alert
While Collingwood leads the chase, rival Victorian clubs like Essendon and Carlton are also monitoring the situation, aware that Smith’s combination of elite talent and commercial magnetism is a rare commodity.
What Happens Next?
With the trade window still months away, Collingwood is expected to continue applying pressure in backroom talks while preparing a formal offer that may include pick swaps, player exchanges, and long-term financial guarantees.
If successful, the move would eclipse all previous AFL transfer deals and could spark a new era of “super club” spending in the league.
For now, the ball remains in Geelong’s court — but the Magpies have made their intentions loud and clear: Bailey Smith is their top target, and no price is too steep.
