How does Geelong do it? That is a question widely asked in earnest, and in exasperation, at the moment.

Practically, how could they possibly trade in two elite midfielders, Bailey Smith (who requested a trade to the Cats after he made the worst-kept secret official last night) and Clayton Oliver, and land them in this trade period? Secondly, how does Geelong keep getting these players? How do they fit them all in the salary cap?

Clayton Oliver and Bailey Smith could yet end up as teammates in Geelong.Credit: AFL Photos

The first question is the most pressing. Smith’s trade will happen because he is out of contract.

Oliver is more difficult. He is on a long-term contract so the discussions between the player and Cats football hierarchy and senior players at Rhys Stanley’s farm on Tuesday night were all predicated on a “what if” scenario.

Smith is the priority for Geelong. There will be arguments about the trade and whether Geelong’s first round pick is sufficient, but that pick will be the basis for any deal. The question will only be whether Geelong adds to that pick, currently 15, and if so, what do they add?

Last year Esava Ratugolea was traded to Port for, essentially, pick 25. Geelong’s pick is now at 15, though the Dogs will argue it will blow out to about 20 when academy and........

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