All-Australian forward Zac Bailey has strongly affirmed his commitment to the Brisbane Lions ahead of their blockbuster preliminary final against Collingwood, knocking back the idea that he may be interested in a club switch for 2026.
The premiership hero has kicked a career-high 37 goals this season and is averaging just shy of 20 disposals per game in his versatile attacking role, resulting in increased interest from rival clubs ahead of his free agency status following the conclusion of his current contract in 2026.
Speculation ignited following a report in early-September that Essendon were preparing a "mega offer" as a ploy to lure Bailey south, which AFL Media's Cal Twomey reported to be valued at the $1.3 million annually across six-plus years.
However, Bailey has denied any immediate interest in a move from Brisbane.
"I absolutely love it here. For me, I haven't given it too much thought," Bailey told media this week.
"The next two weeks is pretty important for this club as a whole, so that's where all my focus has been.
"I've got another year and a half here at the club so there's plenty of time to sort that stuff out."
Bailey hinted at how the Lions will approach the midfield matchup with the Magpies, with a potential tag comung for young superstar Nick Daicos, who has proven to be at his most dangerous in September during Collingwood's dominant qualifying final win against Adelaide.
In two games against the Lions this year, Daicos has been sensational, polling 38 and 29 disposals respectively, and tallying a combined 21 score involvements in those contests.
"We don't usually tag but in the past, Josh Dunkley has gone to him around stoppages," Bailey said.
"If he does get off the chain a little bit, I'm sure we'll have some plans in place to stop that.
"It's a massive battle [the midfield], even just getting territory from centre bounce and that sort of stuff is really important. I spoke about the pressure around the clearances and stuff like that, it's just such an important part of the game.
"They've got a quality midfield and as do we, and it's going to be a really good battle."
The 2023 Grand Final rematch gets underway at the MCG at 5:15pm on Saturday with a third consecutive Grand Final appearance for Bailey and the Lions up for grabs.
