Bailey Smith Prohibited from Sporting Nike Headband Following Debut in Cats’ Colours

Bailey Smith’s latest on-field fashion choice will be a fleeting trend, as the Geelong midfielder has been officially prohibited from wearing his iconic white Nike headband starting next week.

In his debut outing in Geelong’s blue and white guernsey, the 24-year-old Cats recruit sported a chunky white headband featuring a black Nike swoosh, which unfortunately drew the ire of the AFL.

Throughout the pre-season, Smith showcased a variety of bold Nike headbands, including a striking salmon pink option.

However, following Geelong’s practice match against the Hawks on Monday at GMHBA Stadium, the AFL swiftly issued him a warning about his choice of headwear.

As reported by Tom Morris from 9News Melbourne, Smith will need to make some adjustments to the band he uses to tame his mullet ahead of the Cats’ next pre-season clash against Essendon next week.

“The AFL has confirmed that while Bailey Smith’s Nike swoosh was acceptable today, from next week he will need to flip that headband inside out,” Morris shared on X on Monday afternoon.

The league has taken a firm stance against the prominent Nike branding, adhering to their existing guidelines concerning headwear.

The AFL ruling stipulates that “headbands worn during matches must be discreet and in the colours of hair or club.” This regulation has previously affected players such as former Demon-turned-Eagle Jayden Hunt, who was known for wearing a loud blue and red striped headband on game days.

Fans have taken to social media, sharing their amusing reactions to the news.

“The AFL always seem to focus on the pressing issues,” quipped one user on X.

Others expressed confusion over the inconsistency, questioning why Smith is barred from displaying a Nike logo while players are allowed to flaunt logos on their boots.

“If a player has a boot sponsor, would they be expected to remove that logo? The AFL is utterly ridiculous,” was another critical comment from a fan.

Meanwhile, Smith took to Instagram following his first proper game since 2023, stating, “A lot has happened in 547 days… Just feeling thankful to be back. See you never.”

The Cats emerged victorious with a 20-point win over the Hawks in what was an unofficial match, with Smith appearing at ease with the football.

Geelong’s assistant coach Jame Rahilly expressed relief that Smith came through the game injury-free. “He was nervous, as anyone would be after a year off,” Rahilly commented after the match.