Geelong may have claimed the win but star recruit Bailey Smith could earn the ire of the AFL this week after delivering a double-barrelled insult at an Adelaide fan on Thursday night.
The Cats’ new midfield recruit was instrumental in Geelong’s 18.11 (119) to 15.10 (100) victory over Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Thursday night, kicking off the AFL’s Gather Round in thrilling fashion.
Smith, in just his first season at the Cattery after moving from the Western Bulldogs, was one of the Cats’ best on ground. He tallied 35 disposals, six clearances, and a goal in a commanding performance.
But while his on-field impact couldn’t be questioned, it was his actions after the siren that have drawn scrutiny.
Footage has surfaced showing the 24-year-old engaging in a heated exchange with a Crows supporter while walking down the tunnel. In the video, Smith is seen reacting to the spectator by flashing both middle fingers.
The AFL is now expected to ask Geelong for a ‘please explain’, mirroring their approach to West Coast’s Harley Reid, who was fined $1000 last month for a similar gesture to a fan during a match against Brisbane.
Geelong star Bailey Smith stopped while walking down the tunnel and looked up at a supporter holding an Adelaide scarf
He then delivered a double-barrelled salute to the fan before making his way back down the tunnel
Former AFL star Daniel Gorringe (who has changed his online name to Richmond after losing a bet) said that Smith should be punished for his actions
As with Reid, the league will likely consider the context of the incident before handing down any sanction. However, it’s anticipated Smith may receive the same penalty regardless of provocation.
Social media users were divided over the exchange. Some supported Smith, pointing fingers at fan behaviour, while others said the midfielder should have kept his cool and set a better example for younger viewers.
This latest episode follows another fan-related moment last week during Geelong’s narrow loss to Brisbane.
Smith clapped back at a heckler who mocked his famous mullet, replying: ‘At least I’ve got hair’ – a retort captured on another fan’s video.
Adding to the eventful night in Adelaide was a light-hearted moment in the Cats’ dressing rooms, where Smith appeared out of sync during the post-game team song.
While his teammates belted out the club’s traditional victory tune with gusto, Smith looked sheepish and out of place, struggling to mouth the lyrics.
‘Plenty of smiles in the Geelong room,’ Sarah Jones said on Fox Footy. ‘(But) I’m not entirely sure Bailey Smith knows all the words to that song yet.’
Fellow commentator Jason Dunstall agreed, saying: ‘We looked at each other at the same time and went ‘Bailey Smith doesn’t know the words’. Hilarious.’
Smith is starting to find some of his best form again with his new club but has also been combustible in the midfield
It is the second week in a row that Smith has had a hostile interaction with a fan in the stands
Midfield mate Max Holmes wasn’t as forgiving, jokingly adding: ‘You’re kidding? It’s a pretty basic song. I don’t know how you couldn’t know that.’
While the off-field hiccups may attract headlines, Geelong fans won’t be too worried if Smith continues to deliver on the field.
Their come-from-behind win was sparked by a stirring four-goal final term, including a match-turning burst from Patrick Dangerfield, who finished with four majors.
Jeremy Cameron also slotted four goals, including back-to-back strikes that gave Geelong the lead for good in the last quarter.
The Cats overcame a 30-point second-term deficit thanks to strong contributions from across the ground, with Ollie Dempsey and Max Holmes also among the best.
Adelaide’s Taylor Walker gave home fans early hope with a classic left-foot snap just minutes into the match. He finished with two goals and an assist, setting up Izak Rankine for another.
But despite their early dominance, the Crows couldn’t hold back a surging Geelong side that now sits with three wins from its first five games.
