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Deals of the Week 11:00AMTuesday, October 28th, 2025 In the know quiz Set your local weather Breaking News Courts & Law Courts & Law Courts & Law Courts & Law South Australia Western Australia Northern Territory Breaking News North America US Politics South America Middle East UK Politics Health Problems Mental Health Inspiration Weight Loss School Life Restaurants & Bars Food Warnings Relationships The Sealed Section Family & Friends Fashion Shows Fashion Trends Face & Body Cosmetic Surgery True Stories Lifestyle Videos Travel Ideas Short Breaks Food & Drinks Destinations North America New Zealand Middle East Central America South America Travel Advice Tips & Tricks Accommodation Australian Holidays Northern Territory South Australia Western Australia Travel Videos Entertainment Celebrity Life Hook Ups & Break ups Celebrity Photos Celebrity Kids Celebrity Deaths Celebrity Style What To Watch Morning Shows Current Affairs Upcoming Movies Movies Reviews Music Festivals Books & Magazines Golden Globes Entertainment Videos Social Media Mobile Phones Home Entertainment Archaeology Environment Climate Change Sustainability Natural Wonders Motoring News On the Road Technology Videos Cost of Living How to Save Salary Secrets Personal Finance Superannuation Australian Culture Power & Influence Inside Parliament Gig Economy Breaking News Manufacturing Other Industries Australian Economy World Economy Interest Rates Federal Budget Australian Markets World Markets Australian Dollar Cryptocurrency Real Estate Sydney & NSW Melbourne & VIC Adelaide & SA Cricket Live Scores V8 Supercars Sports Life American Sports Paralympics Horse Racing Expert Opinion More Sports Sport Videos Sales & Deals Home & Appliances Health & Wellbeing The AFL’s messaging for Geelong star Bailey Smith borders on pathetic There have been fireside chats and lame warnings, but the lack of any real accountability for Bailey Smith has become clear for all to see. James Dampney October 28, 2025 - 7:28PM Share via Email Share on Facebook Share on Whatsapp Listen to this article Copied URL to clipboard codesports.com.au Dillon puts Baz behaviour on notice AFL: Chief Executive Andrew Dillon has confirmed that the AFL will put Geelong and Bailey Smith on notice for the stars behaviour. It’s becoming painfully clear that AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon could do with finding some backbone when it comes to Bailey Smith. The Geelong midfielder, who turns 25 in December, had an outstanding 2025 on the field, claiming a first All-Australian nod and finishing third in the Brownlow Medal count. Watch every match of the 2025 NAB AFL Women’s Season LIVE ad-break free during play. New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1. But the blond star made as many headlines off the field as he did on it during his first season with the Cats, mostly for negative behaviour on social media. The signs were there as far back as May when he used the platform to make an insinuation he used cocaine – having already been banned for illicit drug use back in 2022 – and more recently to fire a number of vulgar shots at Caroline Wilson. A superb season on the field yielded Bailey Smith (centre) a first All-Australian blazer. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images) Smith then got in another beef with Mark Robinson, after the former AFL reporter labelled Smith’s Instagram post with Max Holmes dressed as Wilson “one of the most disgusting things I’ve seen a player do”. He was also accused of homophobia after captioning a photo with Geelong skipper Patrick Dangerfield “brokeback mountain” in a post that was later deleted. The only response the Cats made was a weak announcement their Mad Monday parties wouldn’t continue in their “current form”, which may well insinuate they will continue in identical form moving forward, just without media or mobile phones. There were plenty more incidents involving Smith that weren’t directly using social media, including abusing a female photographer at Geelong training for simply doing her job and twice copping fines for flipping the bird at rival fans. Max Holmes and Smith on Mad Monday. Photo: Instagram And a since deleted post with Patrick Dangerfield. Photo: Instagram After the Mad Monday firestorm, Geelong chief executive Steve Hocking effectively demonstrated the club would do absolutely nothing to rein in Smith, almost jokingly conceding social media is something he “doesn’t understand at all”. He then claimed “it’s not about tiptoeing around someone like Bailey, but more about tailoring it accordingly”. We’re not clear on exactly what “it” is, but zero punishment and an attempt to “tailor” the relationship sure sounds like tiptoeing to this reporter. Which brings us to Dillon. The AFL boss and Hocking had a meeting at Smith’s home way back in June, after the “nose beers” social media controversy, which again ended up with a cuddly, “fireside” tone rather than any serious threats over his conduct. Copied URL to clipboard Bailey Smith plans to 'get on the piss' Bailey Smith has revealed his plans for the next... Quizzed after that meeting became public knowledge, Geelong coach Chris Scott continued the easygoing theme with Smith. “We’re loving having him. Even these things are so minor in my opinion,” he said. “Players love him. Staff love him. It’s been good fun to have him around the place.” Once again, it’s all “good fun” and a distinct lack of actual accountability. So is it any surprise Smith pushed on with his poor actions off the field after being swiped with those wet lettuce leaves? The AFL finally contacted Geelong last week and suggested it was time for Smith to curb his behaviour or the league would intervene. Better very, very late than never, we suppose. Smith and Andrew Dillon at this year’s Brownlow Medal. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos via Getty Images) Dillon was then asked about Smith this week and offered a warning the former Bulldog needs to meet league “standards” or risk facing sanctions. Yet Dillon still appeared to be taking a back seat and playing the diplomat when repeating the midfielder’s antics are “for the club to handle”. If the Cats won’t act, surely the AFL would step up? Dillon then reiterated the league would get involved if his “behaviours went any further”. “Ultimately, the decision is for the club to handle,” Dillon told reporters in Perth. “But I think that (warning to the Cats) was putting the club and Bailey on notice that if the behaviours went any further, then it might get to a stage where the AFL has to tip in. Smith offers his favourite salute to photographer Alison Wynd at Geelong training. Cats CEO Steve Hocking (left) and coach Chris Scott have full support for Smith. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images) “Bailey is a super footballer. He’s great for the game. But there are standards that all of our players and everyone who’s involved in the industry have to adhere to. “Bailey is a 23 to 24-year-old. He can make his own decisions. “I think he’s got some great leaders around him at the club who are all working with him.” Wow, cop that Bailey. “If the behaviours went any further, then it might get to a stage” is about as firm as a Zooper Dooper left out in the spring sun. Smith has previously spoken out about his battles with mental health, which is a courageous and admirable move. But does that mean he gets to act however he pleases with no real repercussions? Surely not. Need to talk to someone? Don't go it alone. Please reach out for help. Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au Headspace: 1800 650 890 or headspace.org.au 13YARN: Speak to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis supporter on 13 92 76 or visit 13yarn.org.au Are you anxious? Take the Beyond Blue quiz to see how you’re tracking and whether you could benefit from support Smith was a revelation on the field in 2025, but a disaster off it after so many distasteful moments that brought negative publicity to his club and his sport, right Chris Scott? “If you separate out the off-field issues, that is probably the best way to describe it – and we think through how the last 12 months have gone with Bailey – it has been an outrageous success,” Scott said last week. “Outrageous. Not perfect. But if you were privy to some of the information with a whole range of players, I think it is likely that is going to be a similar sort of description. “Some bits have gone really, really well and there are other bits we sort of have to nudge and manage a little bit, but that is all it is. It is a nudge here or there. “I refuse to buy into the idea there is some serious or major work to be done. I don’t think that is true.” More Coverage ‘Insane’: AFL star speaks out as act says it all James Phelps AFL star accuses manager of $2.4m rort Liam Beatty Just a “nudge here or there”, that’s all. Yeah right. So misogynistic and homophobic comments, an inference of drug use, abusing a female photographer and scores of opposition supporters – most of which came after a chat with the boss’ of the AFL and his own club – still resulted in a season of “outrageous success”. It begs the questions, what would Smith actually have to do to earn any punishment and why would he curtail his ways? Join the conversation (7 Comments) Add your comment to this story To join the conversation, please log in. Don't have an account? Join the conversation, you are commenting as More related stories Ex-Geelong president to lead the AFL There’s set to be a change at the top of the AFL, with a former club president endorsed as the man to replace the long-serving chairman. ‘Deep understanding’: AFL set for new boss There’s set to be a change at the top of the AFL, with a former club president endorsed as the man to replace the long-serving chairman. Swans to fight for finals without star forward after injury confirmed The Swans must tackle their finals push without prolific forward Chloe Molloy, who faces surgery after doctors confirmed her season-ending back injury. 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