Bailey Smith's first season at Geelong certainly exceeded all expectations, as the dominant midfielder firmly cemented himself among the top echelon of players in the competition.
The incredible campaign saw Smith share the top honour in the AFLCA Champion Player of the Year Award, while also receiving his first All-Australian blazer and finishing third in the Brownlow Medal.
His ball-winning prowess was phenomenal, leading the competition for average disposals per game (31.3), while also finishing in the AFL's top 10 for centre clearances and inside 50s.
Smith accomplished all of this in his first year at Geelong, despite missing the entire 2024 season through injury.
Already forming a powerful partnership through the midfield alongside Max Holmes, it will be exciting for Cats fans to watch Smith's development heading into his second season in the Hoops.
