QUEENSLAND – Geelong threw his hat into the ring for the services of Hawthorn veteran Isaac Smith.
Foxfooty.com.au believe the Cats put in a two-year deal – just like the Hawks – while Melbourne offered three seasons for the triple Premiership player.
The 31-year-old has a choice of three clubs where he can end his career.
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As an unrestricted free agent, Smith can join a club of his choice beginning October 30th, with his salary determining Hawthorn’s compensation.
Geelong has been a sleeping giant in the race for Smith for several months, with Melbourne long considered the front runner.
But the Cats are hungry for another crack at a premiere in 2021, and believe Smith’s outside run would perfectly complement the club’s current pool of ball winners.
Smith played 19 or more games each year between 2012 and this season. His durability and long kick was a hallmark of Hawthorn’s three-peat Premiership teams.
The Hawks want to keep him, but haven’t committed to a two-season contract that is financially roughly the same as the Cats and Demons. No other clubs are in the frame.
Betts like to keep playing
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Smith joins Brad Crouch, Jeremy Cameron and Shaun Higgins on Geelong’s wish list, while the club took an interest in Joe Daniher before settling on Brisbane and Jack Viney before signing again for five years.
The left footer struggled with a shoulder injury in the back half of 2020, making only 10 senior games.
Oddly enough, there have been almost no staff or players to switch between the Cats and Hawks since they played out in the 2008 Premier League decision.
Arch-rivals under the Kennett Curse banner so long that Smith would enter hostile territory if he accepted Geelong’s offer and joined the club as a free agent.
Smith, who has spent the past five seasons as part of the Hawthorn leadership group, has played 210 games since his debut in 2011. He finished third in the best and fairest award in 2018.
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