Distinguished AFL journalist Caroline Wilson believes Geelong teammates usually are not significantly proud of Bailey Smith’s antics away from the sphere.
The feedback come within the wake of AFL chief Andrew Dillon’s private meeting with Smith and the Cats hierarchy final week.
The 24-year-old was publicly scolded by Dillon for an Instagram remark mentioning using illicit medication, however wasn’t formally sanctioned.
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Cats star Bailey Smith is pictured singing the group music after a Geelong victory. Getty
Whereas explaining why the top of the AFL felt the necessity to drive an hour down the freeway to fulfill with Smith, Wilson outlined the multitude of things that will have been at play.
“Persons are frightened about Bailey Smith and a few of his behaviour,” Wilson instructed Vast World of Sports activities’ 3AW on Saturday.
“Andrew Dillon has a reference to the Smith household, he’s a Xavier boy like Bailey, I am certain he is aware of Bailey Smith’s father (from college) and I feel Steve Hocking urged to Andrew Dillon that perhaps it might assist.
“I feel it was attention-grabbing that Andrew Mackie, the Geelong footy boss, was there as nicely.
“I feel there are gamers at Geelong who’re getting … they love what Bailey Smith has dropped at the membership … however they do not love every thing Bailey Smith is doing, and I am not simply speaking about that foolish social media publish.
“They knew what they had been getting, however you do not know what you recognize till you recognize it. He is are available, he hasn’t been tremendous dependable at occasions.
“And he is not somebody who has the penny drop when it ought to at occasions, and I feel there was a view that perhaps it might assist.
“I commend Andrew Dillon for not dragging him as much as Melbourne. I feel there is a view among the many Cats you can’t simply say to Bailey Smith ‘mate it is actually silly to equate celebrating a premiership with cocaine’.
“There are 15-year-olds by the 1000’s who comply with him on social media and even when some fool has egged you on, that is only a actually dangerous message.
“However you’ll be able to’t simply say that to him. You must do it in a refined approach. And I feel Andrew Dillon defined to Bailey Smith what he may grow to be if he was ready to do the fitting factor by his group and his teammates and his personal recreation.”
Smith was a late withdrawal from Geelong’s win over Gold Coast with the membership citing hamstring soreness.
