Can Zac Bailey afford to stay at Brisbane? - AFL trade news

Cameron Ottenhoff

Can Zac Bailey afford to stay at Brisbane? - AFL trade news image

Zac Bailey has cemented himself as not only one of the game's best half-forwards, but as one of the game's elite players.

His stocks have continued to rise all season long, capped off with his first All-Australian blazer and fresh off the back of a near Norm Smith medal-winning performance in the Brisbane Lions Grand Final win.

But as we know in the AFL, if you are yet to re-sign a year out from free agency, rumours will begin to swirl.

So, could Bailey leave this year or next, and who is interested in Bailey thus far?

MORE: Brisbane gun Zac Bailey being chased by Victorian club - AFL trade news

Brisbane Lions

The Lions themselves are obviously desperate to keep their star, and will do everything in their power to do so.

As it stands, Bailey is still contracted and it is extremely hard to see a player such as Bailey, who has a huge role in this Brisbane side, leaving right on the cusp of an attempted three-peat.

But, if he does stay beyond 2026, "he is going to have to leave two, three, potentially four hundred thousand per season on the table," as reported by Mitch Cleary on the Tradies Podcast.

Essendon

The Bombers have cemented themselves as one of the front-runners to acquire Bailey’s signature either this year or at the end of next season as a restricted free agent.

Essendon have reportedly already offered a six-year deal worth more than eight million dollars, as per Callum Twomey on Gettable.

But with Bailey’s stocks continuing to rise with every passing minute, that offer may be considered ‘unders’ in 12 months' time.

Adelaide and Port Adelaide

Due to Bailey’s family ties in South Australia, both clubs will be targeting him in a bid to bring him to SA.

Adelaide have already positioned themselves as a major player in the pursuit of the Lions star, with The Age reporting the Crows are set to be "one of the most aggressive” suitors for the 25-year-old.

While Port Adelaide are yet to have released such information, it is well documented that Port chased after Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera as hard as any other club from a money sense, and they will have cap space to throw whatever they can at Bailey.

Cameron Ottenhoff

Cameron Ottenhoff is a contributing Wires Writer at The Sporting News based in Australia.