Geelong’s new recruit, Bailey Smith, is set to carry on a legacy as he dons a revered jersey number at his new club, while two recent draftees are embracing their family heritage in the AFL.
Smith, who made the move from the Western Bulldogs to the Cats during the final moments of the Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period, has been entrusted with the iconic No.3 guernsey. This number has a storied history at Geelong, having been worn by legends such as 1963 premiership captain Fred Wooller, three-time All-Australian Mark Bairstow, and 2007 Brownlow Medalist and triple premiership hero Jimmy Bartel. Wooller, a Cats veteran with 132 games under his belt and the oldest living VFL/AFL captain, personally presented the jumper to Smith in a symbolic gesture.
“It was an incredible experience and a true honor,” Smith shared. “Fred is an absolute legend, and I’ve heard so many wonderful things about him within the club. To not only meet him but also receive his number is an immense privilege. Having the chance to talk with him about the 1963 premiership was a great moment.”
Joining Smith as a key addition to Geelong is Jack Martin, who arrived from Carlton as a delisted free agent. Martin will wear the No.19 jersey, beginning a new chapter in his AFL journey.
Elsewhere in the league, two father-son draftees are proudly carrying forward family traditions. At Carlton, Ben Camporeale has been assigned the No.16 guernsey, a tribute to his father, Scott, who played 233 games and secured a premiership with the Blues. Similarly, Tyler Welsh, a new addition to the Adelaide Crows, will wear the No.17 jersey, the same number his father, Scott Welsh, sported while kicking 270 goals across 129 games for the club.
These moments highlight the strong connection between generations and the rich history that continues to define the AFL, as young players step into roles steeped in tradition and significance.