Bailey Smith's message to haters in admission about Bulldogs exit after trade to Geelong
Smith finally sealed a move to the Cats amid late AFL trade drama.
Geelong recruit Bailey Smith has delivered a message to his haters after sealing a late AFL trade move from the Western Bulldogs. The 23-year old is keen to start a new chapter in his footy career at the Cats after admitting his disappointing campaign in 2024 was "the most difficult" season he's experienced in his career to date.
Smith burst onto the scene as one of the game's most exciting youngsters after being picked up by the Bulldogs with Pick 7 in the 2018 National Draft. But after a number of setbacks including a two-game suspension for possessing an illicit substance in 2018 and a break from the sport to deal with mental health concerns, Smith's entire 2024 season was wiped out after he suffered a serious ACL injury.
The 23-year-old played a key role in the Western Bulldogs' run to the 2021 grand final and played 103 games for the club but was traded to Geelong as part of a four-club deal in the dying minutes of the AFL's trade period on Wednesday night. Effectively, the Cats gave up picks 17 and 38 in exchange for Smith and pick 45.
Despite some of the challenges that made his time at the Western Bulldogs a bit of a rollercoaster, Smith was quick to thank the club, his former coaches and teammates for the memories. In explaining his decision to leave Whitten Oval, Smith said he was attracted to the playing group that Geelong coach Chris Scott has assembled and the work-life balance that playing at the Cats and out of the Melbourne spotlight offers.
"The future's exciting. It's a successful club," Smith said in a club interview on Thursday. "And just the way they go about footy, but more importantly life and the balance they have and the people Geelong breeds - that's what's drawn me there the most.
"The footy stuff is always amazing, and I suppose it's a lot of people's No.1 thing. But (for me) it's more the type of people within the four walls. It's a privilege to be able to get to know them and hopefully I can add something to what is already an exciting list."
Bailey Smith addresses Bulldogs and critics on social media
Smith also left a heartfelt message to his former Bulldogs teammates on social media after his trade to Geelong was completed. The midfielder took the chance to address detractors for "praying on my downfall" and thanked them for providing him with added motivation throughout his career.
RELATED:
Toby Greene's manager hits back as AFL comes down hard on GWS stars
Dustin Martin in new Gold Coast twist amid detail in AFL mega-trade
Sydney Swans' trade plans fall flat as AFL great issues grave warning
“Feels like yesterday I was drafted to the club of my dreams. It will forever be one of the best days of my life. I can’t thank the Western Bulldogs enough for being my rock and having my back through both the best and worst times,” Smith posted on Instagram. “As we know people evolve and change and through my pursuit of searching for fulfilment/purpose, the decision to leave the Kennel and Melbourne in general, felt right.
“Regardless of what narrative you wish to believe or what your take on me as a person is, just know that the Bulldogs faithful will always have a place in my heart... from ‘Bevo’ (Luke Beveridge), ‘Bont’ (Marcus Bontempelli) and the boys to the loyal fans in the cheer squad rocking up week in week out. Thanks for taking me in as a fresh faced 18-year old and helping me along my journey.
"I’ll forever be grateful and will do you proud in this next chapter as you’ve played such a pivotal role in my footballing and personal life. I can say, without a doubt, it’s been the most difficult year I’ve experienced and one day I’ll have the courage to open up about it, but for now, I’m gonna put my head down and do what I do best — get to work. To those praying on my downfall, thank you. See you in 2025.”
Geelong list boss Andrew Mackie welcomed Smith's move to the club and said the 23-year-old would offer the Cats added flexibility and be a tremendous addition to their playing roster. “We’re excited Bailey will be wearing the hoops from 2025 and beyond. At just 23 he is a talented player whose attributes gives us on-field flexibility and he will complement our current playing group,” Mackie said. “We’re looking forward to welcoming Bailey into our football club and our broader Geelong community.”
with AAP