- Geelong celebrated best and fairest after falling in AFL Grand Final
Bailey Smith has made an understated entrance to the Geelong Cats best and fairest awards after a month of being the centre of attention – and becoming embroiled in a Mad Monday scandal.
The beaten AFL grand finalists Mad Monday celebrations spiralled into controversy when Smith posted a Brokeback Mountain reference alongside teammate Patrick Dangerfield.
The post drew heavy criticism for being homophobic and out of touch, sparking backlash across the AFL community.
Smith also mocked journalist Caroline Wilson by praising a teammate’s costume of her, before quickly deleting it.
Media figures called the behaviour disrespectful, especially in the wake of the season’s end.
The club later issued an apology, scrapped Mad Monday in its current form, and promised a review of player standards.
Bailey Smith kept it plain and simple at the Geelong best and fairest awards at Crown Palladium
Smith was runner-up for the Carji Greeves Medal, with Max Holmes (centre) winning it for the second time and Jeremy Cameron polling third
Smith kept a low profile both at the awards and on social media after being embroiled in a Mad Monday controversy
Smith also made headlines when he arrived at the All-Australian awards in New Balance ‘snoafers’ and was asked by Geelong’s CEO to switch into RM Williams suede boots.
Smith was also the centre of attention at the Brownlow Medal Awards with his ‘speed dealer’ sunglasses that he wore on the night.
He revealed that the sunglasses he sported at the Brownlow Medal night were a pair he’d had since childhood, not just a fashion stunt.
This time around, though, Smith kept it very plain and simple at Crown Palladium for the Carji Greeves Medal awards night.
There were no sunglasses, no experimental shoes or other fashion accessories and no tie as Smith arrived wearing head-to-toe black for the occasion.
There were no outlandish comments on social media, either. Smith shared a video tagging teammates Tom Atkins and Mark Blicavs with the caption ‘two of the best’.
He also posed for a photo with Max Holmes and injured star Jeremy Cameron, with the caption ‘humbled to be alongside these lads’ and a heart emoji.
Holmes claimed his second-straight Carji Greeves Medal after another standout season for Geelong.
Geelong Cats legend Billy Brownless attended the Carji Greeves Medal night with his partner Crystle Fleur
It was a bittersweet night for Geelong after reaching the AFL Grand Final but falling to the Brisbane Lions
The wives and girlfriends of the Geelong players pose for a blue carpet picture ahead of the ceremony
He polled 175 votes, with Smith finishing runner-up on 155 and Jeremy Cameron third on 145.
Holmes played every game in 2025, polling votes in all matches and being judged best by coaches five times. He averaged a career-high 26.9 disposals and ranked first in the AFL for inside 50s.
Smith enjoyed a stellar first season with the Cats, leading the AFL in average disposals with 31.3. Smith also finished third in the Brownlow Medal and won his first All Australian blazer.
Cameron kicked a career-best 88 goals, securing his second Coleman Medal and fifth All Australian jacket as captain of the 2025 team.
Atkins and Blicavs were joint winners of the Tom Harley Best Club Person award.
Connor O’Sullivan was recognised as Best Young Player after a breakout defensive season.
The night also farewelled Mitch Duncan, who retired after 305 games and two premierships.
