Bailey Smith is poised to secure a lucrative new contract with the Geelong Cats, as reported by Footy Classified’s Cal Twomey. Initially, Smith’s agreement with the club was set at around $700,000 per season, a figure that pales in comparison to the salaries of the league’s elite players.
Since joining Geelong, Smith has made a remarkable comeback from a torn ACL, achieving significant milestones in the 2025 season, including a third-place finish in the prestigious Brownlow Medal and the AFL Coaches Association Player of the Year award. His current contract, which lasts until the end of 2030, is expected to be revised to reflect his exceptional performance, elevating him into the ranks of the highest-paid midfielders in the game.
Twomey noted that while the duration of Smith’s contract will remain unchanged, its financial terms will be substantially improved. This adjustment acknowledges Smith’s recent accomplishments, with projections suggesting that his new deal will exceed $1 million annually. In the last season, he delivered a career-high average of 31 disposals, alongside notable performance metrics across clearances, inside 50s, tackles, and marks per game.
Isaac Smith, a former star at Geelong, expressed his support for the decision to increase Bailey’s pay, highlighting the need for deserving players to be compensated fairly based on their contributions to the team and the league.
Despite his on-field success, Bailey’s behaviour off the field has come under scrutiny. He received fines for various incidents, including an inappropriate gesture towards a fan, confrontations during training, and issues arising from a controversial Mad Monday celebration. His conduct led to a discussion with AFL CEO Andrew Dillon regarding expected behavioural standards.
Team captain Patrick Dangerfield acknowledged the ongoing journey of growth for Smith, noting that while he has excelled on the field, he has faced challenges off it. Reflecting on Smith’s potential, Dangerfield remains optimistic about his future progression.
In summary, Bailey Smith’s anticipated contract upgrade aligns with his stellar achievements in Australian Rules Football, as Geelong recognises the talent and capability of their star midfielder while aiming to address past behavioural issues for a brighter career ahead.