Bailey Humphrey, a 21-year-old Gold Coast Suns midfielder, is turning heads in the Australian Football League (AFL). It is this dramatic turn in his recent social media activity that has caused the huge hype surrounding him. Humphrey accompanied her announcement with a series of photos, set to the inspiring tune of John Denver’s iconic anthem, “Country Roads, Take Me Home.” He posted the image with the simple but proud hashtag— “I’M FROM MOE.” Needless to say, this short and cryptic message has ignited a storm of speculation about his future in the desert with the Suns.
Humphrey’s tour manager, Michael Oakes, shot down the speculation that had already gone viral. He was adamant the exciting young player has given no indication of wanting to leave Gold Coast. This release comes on the heels of speculation that Humphrey was looking for an out to Victoria. This all comes after a stunning breakout campaign that saw him finish fourth in the Suns’ best and fairest standings.
The mystery of Humphrey deepened when an amazing photo was found. It followed him as he met with Melbourne’s new head coach, Stephen King, and Assistant Nathan Jones. Humphrey fueled more gossip by having a long conversation with Melbourne’s interim president, Brad Green. That’s exactly the sort of conversation I was privy to on Saturday at the Caulfield Cup. Notably, Green and his television star partner, Caty Price, shared images of their encounter with Humphrey on their social media accounts.
These listening sessions are especially interesting. They follow in the wake of Christian Petracca’s temporary switch from the Demons last week to Gold Coast. Petracca can hardly control his enthusiasm at the prospect of sharing the field with Humphrey. He even goes as far to liken him onto a younger version of himself! This hope for such a partnership really gained traction after a recent phone call between the two players. Among the many highlights of the call, Petracca’s enthusiasm for working together on the field was contagious.
Humphrey’s made some real strides in the right direction lately. He has since emerged as a likely replacement for Petracca at Melbourne should Petracca decide to leave those same Demons. It is still not clear whether any actual negotiations have begun. Oakes’s comments indicate that, at least for the time being, Humphrey is still intent on honoring his deal with Gold Coast.
As the trade period goes on, Bailey Humphrey will be one of the more interesting stories watched by fans and pundits across the game. Last year his phenomenal play made him an in-demand commodity. How this storm passes will have huge ramifications for better and worse for the Suns and the Demons.
