Bailey Smith’s future at the Western Bulldogs remains clouded.
The 23-year-old is out of contract in 2024 and continues to attract interest from at least a trio of clubs.
SEN regular and Channel 9 journalist Tom Morris believes Smith, who is sidelined this season with an ACL injury, is “every chance” to depart the Whitten Oval in the next trade period.
Morris is expecting Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and Tim English to stay put, but can see Smith leaving with the likes of Collingwood, Geelong and Hawthorn maintaining their interest.
“I think he’s every chance to go,” Morris said on SEN Breakfast.
“The Dogs think Jamarra is staying and he will, probably on a two-year deal.
“They think they’re going to be able to hold onto Tim English, who Leigh Matthews was really strong about on Footy Furnace. He said he’s playing “soft” football at the moment.
“They’re none the wiser about Bailey Smith.
“There are three clubs that as far as I can say are in the hunt for him - Collingwood, Geelong and Hawthorn.
“I’m not sure about Essendon. They have the finances, it’s whether they want him.
“Bailey Smith has given no indication whatsoever to the Western Bulldogs that he wants to stay at all. There’s a two-year deal in front of him, he hasn’t even looked at it.
“It’s going to be intriguing to see what happens, and then what’s he worth in a trade after a year out of footy.”
It comes after Bulldogs CEO Ameet Bains gave a frank admission when asked if Smith has given any indication regarding his future.
“No,” Bains replied on AFL Nation on Friday night.
Smith has played 103 games in red, white and blue since he was drafted with Pick 7 in 2018.
The Dogs, who lost to Essendon on Friday night, will be eager to bounce back when they meet St Kilda at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night.
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