The 2024 AFL Continental Tires Trade Period officially commenced on Monday, kicking off an exciting 10 days of trades and player movement.
Geelong will be active across the next 9 days with some players already announcing their desire to join the Hoops in 2025.
Bailey Smith is one, after the midfielder requested a trade to the Cats at the end of last week.
Geelong's General Manager of Football, Andrew Mackie, joined Cal Twomey on Monday at the opening day of the 2024 Continental Tires Trade Period. They touched on the early discussions around a potential trade for Smith.
"We have had a couple of chats with Sam Power (Western Bulldogs), they have been held with good intent from both parties," Mackie said.
"It is great that Bailey does want to come and play for us, so that is exciting. Our intention is to trade him in and put him in the Hoops, so we will see where it gets to.
"It is day one of trade period, he is out of contract and had an injury throughout the year. It is interesting times, but hopefully it all lands well for both clubs."
Another player that has been in the spotlight was Melbourne on-baller, Clayton Oliver who visited Geelong last week.
Mackie spoke about the brief conversations with the Demons but provided an important update on the Cats' stance.
"Clayton's management were aware that it might be in his best interest to have a conversation, but it was pretty brief to be honest," Mackie told Cal Twomey.
"We met with him last Tuesday, it is always time well spent but as far as we are concerned Melbourne have come out and had their stance. We are respectful of that, he has six years to go on a contract so from out end it was fleeting.
"Over the weekend Melbourne came out and said what they have, so we will put it to bed."
"It was a brief chat, that is where it sits currently and from Clayton's point of view it is something he needs to work through.
"But as far as we know Melbourne have been strong in their stance, so that is where we see it."
The final player with a strong link to the Cats was Jack Martin, who is looking for a fresh start after being delisted by Carlton.
Mackie confirmed that Martin will join Geelong at the start of November.
"We see a really talented player, he just hasn't been able to get a run at it and we are aware of that," Mackie said.
"We will explore a lot of ways to get him playing his best footy, but it is exciting because he gives us flexibility.
"He is a really good age demographic, he is a quality person to come in so the thought of it is really enticing and good for us.
"Clearly it is going to happen, he is a delisted free agent so early next month we will put him on the list. Then the next bit is setting it up for success, there is a lot in that and we need to make sure we leave no stone unturned."
Stay tuned to geelongcats.com.au and Geelong’s social media channels for Continental Tires Trade Period content.
All trade, draft and list management updates are proudly supported by Geelong’s list management and recruiting partner Pepperstone.
