Uncontracted Western Bulldogs midfielder Bailey Smith has answered questions over this future amid trade rumours tying the 23-year-old to a pair of rival clubs this year.
Smith, who has missed the entirety of this season due to an ACL injury sustained during the pre-season, remains without a deal for 2025 as Geelong and Hawthorn reportedly show an interest in the former Pick 7 selection.
The Dogs have managed a successful year of re-signings, having had all of Aaron Naughton, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Tim English, Jedd Busslinger, Cody Weightma, and others recommit at the Kennel over the past 12 months.
Smith's future has remained unclear however, with coach Luke Beveridge even stating previously that his confidence in keeping the young ball winner is fading given the lack of a commitment from the Sandringham Dragons product.
When asked about where his future lies, Smith said he has placed little focus on external talk as he looks to see out the current season in support of his teammates.
"I haven't paid any attention to anything other than my health at the minute and then supporting the boys โ just focusing on the short-term, (the) here and now, which is GWS on Sunday and hopefully we get up,โ Smith said, viaย News Corp.ย
"I don't know when those (trade) conversations happen or if they do happen."
Despite his most recent setback, Smith's value on the open market would demand a first-round pick from any potential suitor.
Geelong are viewed as the frontrunner for the flashy midfielder, with the Cats' opening pick for this year's AFL Draft currently sitting at Pick 15.
Hawthorn is said to still be in the race for Smith despite having strong ties to West Coast defender Tom Barrass, who would also require the club to pass on an early selection at the very least.
The Hawks are currently set to enter the draft 12th overall, with the final draft order to be set at the conclusion of this year's finals series.
Smith played 103 games for the Western Bulldogs across his first five seasons with the club, winning a spot in the AFL's 22under22 side on four occasions.
His best campaign came in 2021, with Smith recording a seventh-place finish in the club's best and fairest while also coming fourth for the Gary Ayres Award.
