๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐: 2025-2030 ๐๐ฑ๐ญ๐๐ง๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐ซ๐๐๐ญ ๐๐๐ข๐ฅ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ฆ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐ฌ๐ข๐ ๐ง๐๐ ๐ 5 ๐ฒ๐๐๐ซ, $53,000,000 ๐๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐ซ๐๐๐ญ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐ฌ, ๐ข๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐๐ข๐ง๐ $49,650,000 ๐ฌ๐ข๐ ๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ฎ๐ฌ, $53,000,000 ๐ ๐ฎ๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐๐, ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ง ๐๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐๐ ๐ ๐๐ง๐ง๐ฎ๐๐ฅ ๐ฌ๐๐ฅ๐๐ซ๐ฒ ๐จ๐โฆ.. ๐ซ๐๐๐ ๐ฆ๐จ๐ซ๐
DEAL DONE marks a defining moment for the Geelong Cats and for Bailey Smith as the club secures one of the most high profile midfielders in the competition for the long term future
The agreement confirms that Bailey Smith will remain in blue and white from the start of the twenty twenty five season through to the end of the twenty thirty season giving the Cats stability and star power during a crucial era of transition and renewal The deal is valued at fifty three million dollars fully guaranteed with a signing bonus of forty nine million six hundred and fifty thousand dollars and an average annual salary that places Smith among the highest paid players in the game
For Geelong this contract is about more than just money It is a statement of intent The Cats have long been known as a club that values loyalty development and sustained success rather than short term splashes By committing to Bailey Smith for five seasons the club is making it clear that he is seen as a central pillar of the next generation of Cats football
Bailey Smith arrived at Geelong with enormous expectations Already one of the most recognisable faces in the sport he combines elite athleticism with a relentless work rate and a fearless approach around the contest His ability to win the ball break lines and surge forward has made him one of the most damaging midfielders in the competition When at his best Smith can change the momentum of a game within minutes and Geelong believe he is entering the prime years of his career
The length of the contract reflects confidence from both sides For the player it provides security and a clear sense of belonging Smith has spoken openly in the past about the importance of environment and support and Geelong have built a reputation as a club that looks after its people on and off the field The long term extension allows him to settle fully into life at the club focus on his football and grow into a leadership role without the distraction of constant contract speculation
From the clubs perspective locking in Smith until twenty thirty allows list managers and coaches to plan with certainty Midfield stability is one of the hardest things to achieve in modern football where player movement and salary pressure can quickly disrupt a teams balance With Smith committed Geelong can build their midfield mix around his strengths pairing him with developing talent and experienced heads to create a unit capable of contending year after year
Financially the deal is significant The massive signing bonus and full guarantee underline just how highly Geelong rate Smith Such contracts are rare in the AFL and are usually reserved for players considered genuine franchise cornerstones While the numbers will naturally spark debate among fans and commentators the Cats believe the investment is justified not only by Smiths on field impact but also by his commercial appeal and leadership potential
Smith is one of the most marketable players in the league His presence boosts membership merchandise and media attention In an era where clubs must think beyond match day performance having a star who resonates with supporters and sponsors alike is invaluable Geelong understand that Smiths profile can help grow the club nationally while still aligning with its strong regional identity
On the field Smiths role is expected to evolve Over the next five seasons he is likely to take on greater responsibility as senior players transition out of the system Coaches see him as someone who can drive standards at training lift teammates during tough moments and set the tone with his competitiveness While not traditionally viewed as a vocal leader Smith leads through action and intensity qualities that often resonate deeply within playing groups
The timing of the extension is also important Geelong are navigating the delicate balance between honoring past champions and ushering in new stars By committing heavily to Smith the club signals a shift toward the future while still respecting the foundations that brought success in previous years It is a move designed to keep the Cats relevant and competitive in a league that is constantly evolving
For supporters the news has been met with excitement and relief Contract speculation can be draining and having clarity around a star players future allows fans to invest emotionally without hesitation Many see Smith as the face of the next era and believe he can help lead the club back into premiership contention His energy flair and willingness to take the game on align perfectly with what fans love to see at Kardinia Park
There will of course be pressure that comes with such a deal Every performance will be scrutinised and expectations will be high Smith will be judged not only on his statistics but on his ability to lift the team in big moments and in finals football The club is confident that he has the resilience and mindset to handle that pressure and grow stronger because of it
Looking ahead the extension sets a clear roadmap for the next five seasons Bailey Smith will be central to Geelongs midfield identity game style and leadership structure If he stays healthy and continues to develop there is every reason to believe he can be a Brownlow contender multiple times and potentially a premiership player in blue and white
In the end this deal represents belief Belief in the player belief in the club and belief in a shared vision of success through to twenty thirty For Geelong it is a bold but calculated commitment For Bailey Smith it is an opportunity to cement his legacy at one club and become one of the defining players of his generation The next chapter begins now and the Cats have made it clear who they want leading the way