Collingwood legend Tony Shaw has expressed concern over a clandestine meeting between Bailey Smith, a prominent AFL player, and the league’s chief executive, Andrew Dillon, suggesting it sets a troubling example for the sport. Details surfaced indicating that Smith convened the meeting to address ongoing behavioural issues that have drawn public scrutiny in recent weeks. He was accompanied by Geelong’s coach Chris Scott, CEO Steve Hocking, and football operations boss Andrew Mackie.
The situation intensified when Smith faced backlash for a deleted Instagram comment that seemed to allude to illicit drug use in the context of Geelong’s ambitions for the 2025 premiership. Though no official sanction was imposed, Smith received a warning that future missteps could lead to disciplinary action. His earlier actions, including an unsavoury gesture towards fans during a recent match, have also stirred considerable debate within the AFL community.
Shaw questioned the necessity of facilitating a personal meeting with a high-ranking AFL official, asserting that Smith’s earlier transgressions did not warrant such attention. He expressed mixed feelings about the meeting, acknowledging its potential benefits while worrying about the precedent it sets. “Has Bailey done that much wrong to involve a personal visit?” he questioned, indicating that such infractions, while regrettable, are a part of the game’s emotional landscape.
While Dillon reportedly aimed not to reprimand Smith but rather to underscore his role as a public figure and role model, Shaw noted that this kind of meeting is unprecedented in the AFL’s history regarding player misconduct. He cautioned that it raises the question of whether future players will seek out the league’s officials for similar discussions when facing issues.
Matthew Richardson, another AFL stalwart, chimed in to highlight the unique circumstances surrounding Smith, a player with significant media and social media influence. He suggested that Smith’s high-profile status escalated the urgency of the situation, prompting the league to take proactive measures. The ongoing review of the AFL’s illicit drug policy was also pointed out as a critical issue that they are keen to address.
Despite his recent challenges, Smith was notably absent from the Geelong team roster due to tightness in his hamstring but is anticipated to make a comeback in the following match against Essendon. The events surrounding his conduct and the subsequent meeting with Dillon indicate the complex interplay between player behaviour, public perception, and organisational response within the AFL.