Geelong’s Bailey Smith has expressed his frustration at reports suggesting the AFL has no plans to allocate a round of the season to raise awareness for men’s mental health, criticising the league’s decision to introduce a wildcard round instead.
Following his team’s victory over the Western Bulldogs in round six, the champion midfielder seized the moment to urge the AFL to enhance its focus on men’s mental health.
Smith’s remarks came in light of recent incidents involving mental health, including the experience of Elijah Hollands during the Carlton versus Collingwood match, and the tragic passing of Jaryd Dawson, the brother of Adelaide captain Jordan Dawson.
Geelong star Bailey Smith. AFL Photos via Getty Images
“There’s something I need to address,” Smith expressed after the Cats’ match, as reported by 7AFL on Friday night.
“I want to send my regards to the Dawson family this week and to Elijah Hollands from last night.”
“I don’t know if I’m stepping out of line here, but it is certainly time for the AFL to implement a men’s mental health round.”
“It truly unsettles me throughout the week, and I hope the AFL community embraces them and takes some action.”
However, soon after these comments, reporter Tom Morris took to social media to reveal that such a round was not part of the league’s agenda.
Instead, the AFL has currently identified Spud’s Game—a yearly St Kilda fixture commemorating club icon Danny Frawley—as its event focused on men’s mental health.
Yet, Smith isn’t accepting this from the AFL.
The 25-year-old shared a screenshot of Morris’ tweet with his 422,000 Instagram followers, adding the caption: “But we can commend mediocrity and bring in a wildcard round though,” complete with thumbs up and clown face emojis.
Geelong’s Bailey Smith silencing the crowd at GMHBA Stadium. AFL Photos via Getty Images
The recent wildcard round proposal has sparked contention, expanding the finals series to ten teams.
Geelong coach Chris Scott has openly opposed the change, with Smith clearly echoing that sentiment.
A fan suggested that Geelong should take the initiative on a men’s mental health round, perhaps collaborating with other clubs to create a special guernsey for the occasion.
In response, Smith said, “Don’t worry, we’re already on it—we’re looking to team up with a few other clubs as well.”
The Geelong star has openly shared his struggles with mental health in the past.
After receiving his All-Australian blazer in 2025, Smith revealed he had spent time in a psychiatric facility during his recovery from a torn ACL.
Bailey Smith of the Cats alongside Andrew Dillon, the AFL’s CEO, at the 2025 Brownlow Medal. AFL Photos via Getty Images
After joining Geelong in the trade period at the end of 2024, Smith has emerged as one of the league’s premier midfielders, finishing third in the 2025 Brownlow Medal count.
He has had an impressive start to the 2026 season, averaging 32 possessions per game across the first six matches for Geelong.
Smith has had previous run-ins with the AFL, with league CEO Andrew Dillon visiting him last year to discuss his off-field conduct, highlighting its significance due to his substantial following.
In 2025, he faced a fine for an inappropriate gesture directed at a fan during Gather Round and was asked to apologise after confronting a photographer during club training.
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