Bailey Smith, the AFL star known for his on-field prowess and off-field charisma, showcased his rebellious side in his first public appearance since requesting a trade from the Western Bulldogs. The 23-year-old was spotted in Melbourne alongside fellow AFL stars Charlie Curnow and Nick Daicos, promoting his Barry alcohol range at a Vintage Cellars store.
Sporting a pale blue short-sleeved shirt, denim jeans, and his signature mullet, Smith playfully raised both middle fingers for the cameras while Curnow carried a wine box of Barry’s shochu vodka soda drinks. The appearance comes shortly after Smith officially informed the Bulldogs of his desire to be traded, with interest reportedly coming from Geelong, Hawthorn, and Collingwood.
Smith, who played a key role in the Bulldogs’ 2021 grand final run, was sidelined for the entire 2024 season after suffering a ruptured ACL during training in December. His future with the Bulldogs has been a topic of speculation throughout the season, and the club confirmed Smith’s trade request following their elimination final defeat to the Hawks.
With his future up in the air, Smith’s trade will be one of the most closely watched developments in the AFL off-season.
‘The 23-year-old is yet to nominate a preferred club.
‘Given Bailey’s immense talent, age and proven ability to influence games, the club will work diligently to ensure it is fairly compensated throughout the process.’
Smith has played 103 AFL games since being drafted by the Bulldogs in 2018.
Experts believe he’s most likely to end up at Geelong, but if he does, controversy could be waiting for him. The AFL star, 23, stepped out to promote his Barry alcohol range at a Vintage Cellars store in Melbourne on Friday
Veteran AFL journalist Jon Ralph questioned how potential third-party deals for Smith could play out given he has been an ambassador since 2022 and is ‘a brand himself, plus a social media influencer’.
Jay Clark, Ralph’s colleague at Fox Footy, added the AFL would ‘want to see consistency in previous earnings’ compared to what what Smith could potentially earn under new contract arrangements at Geelong.
Smith made his AFL debut for the Bulldogs in 2019 against the Swans and quickly forged a reputation as one of the competition’s elite midfielders due to his athleticism.
Bailey Smith was recently seen promoting his Barry alcohol range with fellow AFL stars Charlie Curnow and Nick Daicos at a Melbourne event. The sighting comes after Smith quietly separated from his girlfriend, Gemma Dawkins, earlier this year. The couple, who made their public debut at the 2023 Derby Day, had kept their relationship private, but have since unfollowed each other on social media. Smith last posted a photo with Gemma during a romantic trip to New York in February 2024.
The AFL star, who played a key role in the Bulldogs’ 2021 grand final run, was forced to miss the entire 2024 season due to a ruptured ACL, adding to the speculation around his future as he seeks a trade from the Western Bulldogs.
Bailey Smith, who made his AFL debut for the Western Bulldogs in 2019, quickly became a fan favorite with his dynamic playing style and charisma on and off the field. Known for his intensity on the field and involvement in high-profile fashion campaigns, Smith’s life off the field has also drawn attention.
In May 2022, Smith confirmed that he was in a relationship, making a lighthearted reference to his girlfriend’s father, who frequently saw him featured in shirtless advertisements for fashion brand Cotton On. “It’s funny. My girlfriend’s dad drives past it every day,” Smith shared, adding that while the attention was amusing, he remained focused on his football career.
Later that year, Smith and his girlfriend, Gemma, were seen publicly together for the first time, holding hands during a casual walk. The couple, known for keeping their relationship low-key, made their first official appearance at the 2023 Derby Day, signaling a shift toward a more public presence.
Recently, Bailey’s friends showed their support by rallying around him for a fun night out at Melbourne hotspot The Commons Collective, highlighting his strong social ties off the field. Despite his rising fame, Smith continues to focus on his football career while navigating life in the public eye.
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