Summary
Geelong midfielder Bailey Smith has received an official warning from the AFL following a string of controversial social media posts that drew sharp criticism from veteran football journalist Mark Robinson and other figures in the sport.
Veteran AFL journalist Mark Robinson has condemned Geelong star Bailey Smith for his repeated social media controversies, urging the AFL to “come down hard” on the midfielder after he posted mocking and offensive content online.
Smith faced backlash for sharing a now-deleted Instagram video featuring Sam Newman criticizing journalist Caroline Wilson and for earlier Mad Monday posts that many deemed homophobic. The AFL responded by issuing an official warning to the Geelong Football Club regarding Smith’s conduct.
Robinson called Smith’s actions “indecent” and said the AFL’s response was “a week too late,” stressing that professional players must show respect both on and off the field. The criticism followed further controversy when Smith shared a photo of Robinson himself, captioned “Slobbo, you are one naughty boy,” in what was viewed as a taunt.
Geelong CEO Steve Hocking said the club would meet with Smith in the off-season to address his social media behavior and pledged changes to future team events following repeated public criticism.
Smith, who joined Geelong from the Western Bulldogs earlier this year, has played 126 AFL games since his 2019 debut.