Wantaway Western Bulldogs star Bailey Smith has reportedly named Geelong as his desired landing spot following ongoing speculation of a move to Kardinia Park for the midfielder.
Smith's contract expired at the cessation of the 2024 season - a campaign that did not feature the 23-year-old as he recovered from an ACL injury sustained in the pre-season - with the Dogs young gun requesting a trade shortly after the club's finals exit.
"Given Bailey's immense talent, age and proven ability to influence games, the Club will work diligently to ensure it is fairly compensated throughout the process," the club said in a statement confirming Smith's request last month.
The flashy ball winner has gained external interest from several clubs this year, with Collingwood, Hawthorn and Geelong all linked to Smith, with the latter mostly viewed as the frontrunner.
According to AFL.com.au's Cal Twomey, Smith has officially told the Dogs that Geelong is his preferred club for the 2025 season.
Smith currency will likely cost the Cats a first-round draft selection at the very least, with Geelong's opening pick for this year's intake coming in at 15th overall.
A trade deal for Smith could centre around that selection - or Geelong's future first-round pick - while the Dogs could demand more than just the early draft asset.
The trade period opens on Monday, with the Dogs and Cats both facing a number of key list decisions over the next fortnight before the window's deal deadline on October 16.
Geelong are set to secure former Carlton forward Jack Martin as a delisted free agent this off-season, while the club has held talks recently with Melbourne star Clayton Oliver.
The Western Bulldogs are dealing with a trade request from midfielder Jack Macrae, who is said to be seeking a move to St Kilda, while the Dogs attempt to land trade deals for James Peatling and Xavier O'Halloran from GWS.
The Dogs are currently without a first-round pick for the 2024 AFL Draft, having sent that selection to Gold Coast last year in a trade deal that eventually saw them secure Ryley Sanders with Pick 6.