In her breakout season, second-year midfielder Bailey Smith has had a habit of making headlines this season. He was recently traded from the Western Bulldogs to Geelong in the off-season. After missing a full year due to an ACL tear, Smith is enjoying a resurgence this season. On the ball, he is having a career year, now averaging a whopping 30 disposals per game. His performance on Saturday night against Collingwood, where he recorded 34 disposals and a goal, further underscores his impressive form.
The climactic game at the MCG was attended by a record high crowd of 82,154 spectators. In a thrilling, hard-fought match, Geelong squeaked past Collingwood in a close contest. In stark contrast, Smith’s former team, the Bulldogs, secured a dominant 90-point victory over Port Adelaide at Ballarat’s Mars Stadium, which saw only 4,814 fans in attendance. This gap was not lost on Smith, who quipped on the contrast with the light-hearted, yet serious spirit.
Smith’s on-field antics have caught attention. After a heated exchange with Jarman Impey, he proceeded to one-finger salute the fans as he marched off the turf. Perhaps why it’s led to two penalties so far this season for giving the middle finger to fans. Even amidst these recruiting controversies, Smith seemed to fall in love with his new home at Geelong.
“Very grateful to be where I am. They’ve welcomed me with open arms so I’m just forever in debt to this club,” – Bailey Smith
His excellent pre-season form has most pundits including him in the top five players for Geelong this season. The proof is on him, he said, as he pledged his commitment to the squad and love of competitive play.
“I’ll keep working my arse off to repay them and I’m doing what I love doing, and that’s competing regardless if we win, lose or draw. I’m just happy, can’t really lose,” – Bailey Smith
Bulldogs’ captain Marcus Bontempelli took aim directly at Smith’s comments and behavior. He greeted their response with some good-natured ribbing, maintaining a good humor about the spectacle. It’s encouraging that even while Smith is competing away from the area, he still considers his former team first,” he added.
“It’s nice to know we’re still on Bailey’s mind. You know, he’s still thinking about us even at another team. And, you know, in the end, there’s probably a few less people down in Ballarat for him to flip the bird to,” – Marcus Bontempelli
Further commenting on Smith, Bontempelli said that the way players are treated today is part of what can make him feel discouraged about how fans approach players.
“So maybe that’s why he’s a little bit disappointed,” – Marcus Bontempelli
The Bulldogs and Geelong will be looking to continue eating into each other’s legs. They’re scheduled to meet again later in the season, which should be a highly competitive matchup.
“But it makes Round 11 even more interesting, which I think we’ll all be looking forward to. And everyone loves a bit of theatre in the game, so we’ll be happy to provide, you know, the same as we get closer,” – Marcus Bontempelli
Cameron Mooney added his voice to the growing excitement over Smith’s remarkable run and the MCG’s charged atmosphere.
“How good is it, 82,000 versus Collingwood on a Saturday night at the ‘G — how good’s that?” – Cameron Mooney
