Bailey Banfield

Banfield grew up in Broome, Western Australia. He lived there until he finished Year 7 before moving to Perth to attend senior schooling at Scotch College.^[1]

Overlooked in the 2016 AFL draft, Banfield played for Claremont in the West Australian Football League (WAFL), being a part of the Colts (WAFL) premiership side in 2015 and winning their 2017 best and fairest award.^[2] He finished with 22 WAFL games for Claremont. He was then selected by Fremantle with their first selection, fifth overall, in the 2018 AFL rookie draft.^[3] Banfield made his AFL debut for Fremantle in the opening round of the 2018 AFL season after a series of impressive pre-season games.^[4] He signed a two-year contract extension during the season, tying him to Fremantle until 2020.^[5]

Banfield was elevated to Fremantle's senior list in 2019.^[6] Banfield had a standout performance in Round 12 of the 2022 AFL season, kicking a career-high four goals during Fremantle's 14-point win over the Brisbane Lions.^[7]

The 2024 AFL season would prove to be a career-best for Banfield, playing 22 games. He was named on the interchange bench for Fremantle's opening game against the Brisbane Lions, kicking Fremantle's first goal and collecting 14 disposals in the 23-point come-from-behind win.^[8] He was again impactful the next week against North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium, collecting 18 disposals and kicking two goals. His fine form throughout the season saw him ranked above average in almost every statistic. As of April 18, he was ranked the third-best wingman in the league by Champion Data,^[9] despite primarily playing as a high half-forward. After attracting interest from several Melbourne-based clubs due to entering 2024 as an unrestricted free agent, Banfield signed a two-year contract extension in September to remain at the Dockers until at least 2026.^[10]

Banfield had a mixed start to the 2025 AFL season, playing the first six games before being dropped after the Round 6 loss to Melbourne and returning in Round 10.^[11][12] In Round 11 against Port Adelaide, teammate Cooper Simpson suffered an AC joint injury in the first quarter. With limited options at half-back, Banfield was switched to defence after starting the match as the substitute.^[13] He played well in the 49-point win, recording 17 disposals and a career-high 16 kicks.^[13][14] Following this strong performance, Banfield kept his spot in the backline for the remainder of the season, including in Fremantle's elimination final.

Banfield married Julia Edwards in October 2024.^[15]