- Geelong pin-up didn’t hide his disappointment
Geelong superstar Bailey Smith has sensationally labelled the AFL ‘clowns’ after the league reportedly rejected his suggestion of a Mental Health Round.
The Cats midfielder – who has endured his own personal demons since his 2019 debut – led the calls with a raw post-match interview on Channel Seven following his side’s last-start win against the Western Bulldogs.
The footage went viral, with wide support in the wake of the death of Jaryd Dawson followed by Carlton young gun Elijah Hollands’ on-field mental health episode.
‘I don’t know if I’m out of pocket saying it, but I think it’s about time the AFL gets a men’s mental health round,’ Smith said.
‘It just made me feel sick during the week… and hopefully the AFL community wraps their arms around them and we can do something.’
Smith also referenced the ruthless environment within the game and urged players and supporters to remain aware of those around them who could be struggling.
Geelong superstar Bailey Smith has sensationally labelled the AFL ‘clowns’ after the league reportedly rejected his suggestion of a Mental Health Round
Smith was clearly frustrated by the likely outcome, voicing his opinion on Instagram where he referenced Wildcard Round – which will see teams from outside the AFL top eight potentially play finals footy this year
‘I think the footy world can be quite toxic at times, and it is (also) good at putting our arms around the people who need it most, when we need to,’ he said.
‘Speak to your mates, and put your arm around your loved ones – you never know who might need it.’
Despite Smith’s plea, the league isn’t tipped to add a Mental Health Round to the footy calendar.
‘I think the AFL hears that (Smith’s request) but I don’t think there’s going to be one anytime soon,’ reporter Tom Morris said this week.
‘They’d prefer to do things like Spud’s Game (Danny Frawley)… they had a mental health forum in Adelaide (during Gather Round) – but it’s not going to stop players like Bailey Smith pushing for it.’
Smith was clearly frustrated by the likely outcome from the AFL, voicing his opinion on Instagram.
‘We can reward mediocrity and introduce wildcard round tho,’ he posted on Wednesday, adding two thumbs-up and a clown emoji.
Smith then responded to a fan, claiming Geelong are ‘already’ working on their own Mental Health round.
Last weekend, Smith referenced Elijah Hollands’ mental health episode during Carlton’s loss, which sparked widespread concern
Smith also paid tribute to Jordan Dawson’s (pictured, with ball) family following the sudden death of his brother Jaryd
The tragedy involving Jordan Dawson’s brother (pictured, second from left) intensified calls for greater awareness and formal mental health initiatives league-wide
‘Gonna try to align with a few other clubs too,’ he wrote, Channel Seven reported.
Smith’s initial response and the reference to Wildcard Round – which will see teams who finish outside the top eight potentially play finals footy – won’t be well received by the AFL.
They also follow a similar comment from Geelong coach Chris Scott earlier this month.
Scott accused the AFL of bringing in the two extra finals matches for ‘no good reason except cash, probably’.
‘I tend to think they just made it up,’ the premiership great said.
Veteran footy journalist Caroline Wilson revealed Scott’s ‘pretty low dig’ had gone ‘down like a lead balloon’ at the AFL, prompting conversations between the league and Geelong boss Steve Hocking.
