Gun Geelong midfielder Bailey Smith has candidly opened up about the mental health challenges he faced during his final year at the Western Bulldogs, revealing the emotional toll of his ACL injury and the subsequent trade to the Cats.
In an interview on the Real Stuff Podcast, the 24-year-old midfielder described 2024 as a “pretty sh*tty time,” marked by isolation, a breakup, and a loss of identity without football.
"I didn’t have the mask of footy... to distract me from what’s going on internally," he admitted. “I got into some bad ways with going out, flat out after my knee... getting on the piss and being an idiot, which we all do. But that was just my coping mechanism.”
Smith’s ACL rupture in December 2023 sidelined him for the entire 2024 season, exacerbating feelings of resentment from teammates amid trade rumours.
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“I suppose my teammates ended up sort of resenting me... with all the talk of me moving,” he reflected.
Acknowledging the stigma around seeking help, Smith emphasised the importance of professional support.
"I sought some professional help intensively for a while... I think it gets demonised going to seek professional help," he said.
"It’s either weak, or you’re a fruit loop. It really helped me find help and understanding."
When asked about his high-profile trade from the Bulldogs to the Cats, Smith likened the move to a promotion.
“I was playing a small forward role at the Dogs towards the end of ‘23 and I know the type of player I want to be," Smith said.
"I was trying to push my case to get in the midfield, but obviously (they’re an) amazing team, amazing midfield.
“I’m like: ‘My career is too short, you only play for 10-15 years, if you’re lucky. I’m not going to die wondering, I’m going to make a big decision and change teams. I want my career trajectory to be in my own hands, not in someone else’s."
Since joining Geelong, Smith has experienced a resurgence, averaging over 30 disposals per game and emerging as a potential Brownlow Medal contender.
Despite some off-field controversies, including a post-match gesture towards a fan, Smith remains focused on his performance and personal growth.
“I just love competing and I love running out with them. Win or lose... I judge my wins on what I do during the week, how hard I train, how disciplined I am and how locked in I am Monday to Friday,” he stated.
Smith’s openness about his struggles come at a time when the AFL is strongly considering implementing a mental health round into the fixture.