Bailey Smith has pointed fingers at the media for creating a rift between him and the Western Bulldogs, particularly due to ongoing speculation about his potential move to Geelong in 2024. This situation has reportedly caused some of his teammates to harbor resentment towards him. The star midfielder spent the previous year recovering from a torn ACL, during which he felt isolated from the club as speculation about his future loomed large.
Throughout mid-2023, it was revealed that discussions had taken place between Geelong and Smith’s management, aiming to bring him to the Cats once his contract with the Bulldogs expired at the end of 2024. Eventually, this speculation proved accurate as Smith did request a trade to Geelong, where he has thrived in the early stages of the 2025 season.
However, the 24-year-old has expressed that the combination of media gossip and his knee injury impacted his mental health significantly last year. On the “Real Stuff” podcast, Smith reflected on the challenges he faced during his recovery, admitting that the lack of football and club support led to a difficult period in his life. He stated, “It was a pretty lousy time.”
Smith lamented that the media’s relentless speculations affected his relationships within the team. He felt that running discussions about his possible move created unnecessary tension, resulting in a loss of camaraderie. He advised that the media should refrain from ongoing trade talk and allow players to focus on their game during the season.
Discussing his transfer to Geelong, Smith clarified that his decision was not financially motivated but rather based on lifestyle improvements. Despite reports suggesting that he received sponsorship perks from Cotton On, Smith rebutted these claims, asserting his move was about personal well-being, not financial gain.
In his new environment, Smith feels more at peace and content than he has in a long time. He described the tranquillity he has found on his property, surrounded by nature, emphasising that his move was focused on enhancing his quality of life rather than just advancing his football career.
Looking back, Smith revealed how challenging his journey has been, particularly in coping with mental health issues following his injury. He shared candidly about the struggles he faced during this period, including personal setbacks, and expressed that these experiences ultimately prompted him to seek professional help and reassess his mental health.
Although not a perfect year, Smith believes that overcoming such difficulties contributed to his growth. He recognised that navigating adversity is often essential for personal and professional development, asserting, “You can’t have the good without the bad.”