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Andrew Dillon has broken his silence for the first time on why the AFL chose to issue a warning to Geelong star Bailey Smith, with the footy boss reminding the Cats midfielder of the expected ‘standards’ the league holds its players.
Geelong were handed a stern written warning by the AFL last week, in which league chiefs advised Smith to start behaving or there would be harsher consequences.
It came after the 24-year-old former Western Bulldogs star had been scrutinised after the Cats’ Mad Monday post-season party, for multiple images he published on his Instagram story, appearing to mock veteran journalist Caroline Wilson, before he was criticised for a caption on an image in which he referenced the film Brokeback Mountain.
Later, a war of words erupted between him and veteran footy reporter Mark Robinson, who blasted Smith for appearing to make a rude comment about Wilson.
In response to the saga, AFL general manager Greg Swann initially said that the league would be leaving Geelong to ‘deal with the matter’ despite adding that the league ‘was not thrilled’ by his behaviour.
But as Smith has continued to fire digs at Robinson, the AFL’s general counsel, Stephen Meade, was prompted to take action and issue a letter to the club warning them to rein in the midfielder.
Andrew Dillon (right) has broken his silence on Bailey Smith's (left) recent Mad Monday antics
The footy chief explained that the AFL would be ready to step in should Smith step out of line, before reminding the Cats midfielder of the standards expected of him
Now AFL chief executive Dillon has broken his silence on the recent controversy, praising Smith for his footballing talents, but again stressing that the league is keeping a close eye on him.
'I don't think that's changed,' Dillon said.
'Ultimately, the decision is for the club to handle, but I think that was putting the club and Bailey on notice that if the behaviours went any further, then it might get to a stage where the AFL has to tip in.
'Bailey is a super footballer. He's great for the game. But there are standards that all of our players and everyone who's involved in the industry have to adhere to.
'Bailey is a 23/24 year old. He can make his own decisions. I think he's got some great leaders around him at the club who are all working with him.'
Smith had taken to Instagram during the Mad Monday party to post an image of himself and Max Holmes, who was dressed as Channel 7 reporter, Wilson. He added a caption which read: ‘Caro never looked so good,’ with a sweat droplets emoji that often can carry sexual connotations.
Meanwhile, Smith had also published an image of himself and Patrick Dangerfield dressed in western-themed outfits. The footy star made a reference to Brokeback Mountain, before writing a caption that read: ‘This is what losing a granny does to ya. Alright phone away now.’
He copped criticism from many for the post, including former Eagles star Mitch Brown.
The 24-year-old former Western Bulldogs star had been scrutinised after the Cats’ Mad Monday post-season party, for multiple images he published on his Instagram story
Geelong confirmed they are going to ditch their Mad Monday celebrations after widespread criticism of some controversial costumes and questionable social media antics, notably from star Bailey Smith (left)
Smith also deleted this Instagram photo of himself and Max Holmes, who was dressed as respected journalist Caroline Wilson
Robinson, meanwhile, hit out at Smith for his comments about Wilson while also slamming the AFL for not acting on the matter.
‘It’s not woke to call it out. It’s decency. Be a decent person. And for the AFL to allow that to go unpunished is one of the most disgusting inactions by the AFL in my time in football,’ Robinson said on Trade Radio.
However, his comments prompted a response from Smith, who published a picture of Robinson on Instagram, writing: ‘Slobbo you are one naughty boy.’
Dillon had been speaking during an AFL Commission meeting on Monday and faced questions over the league’s decision to hand West Coast an assistance package.
The embattled club, who won a premiership in 2018, has finished rock bottom of the ladder for the second time in three seasons, with captain Oscar Allen and star small forward Liam Ryan departing the club this summer for pastures new.
Given their struggles, the West Coast have been handed an end-of-first-round draft pick and four additional rookie spots for 2026, 2027 and 2028.
West Coast have secured Brandon Starcevic and Tylar Young from Brisbane and Richmond, and have also re-signed star man Harley Reid. But the decision to hand them a support package has been scrutinised by the club’s rivals.
‘They’ve taken that package and they’ve used that,’ Dillon said, noting the Eagles have lingered for too long at the bottom for the table.
Bailey Smith has appeared to hit back at Mark Robinson (pictured) on Instagram, calling him 'slobbo' after the footy reporter blasted Smith on AFL Trade Radio for his Mad Monday antics
Robinson (pictured) hit out at the AFL for their lack of action over the star's Instagram posts during Trade Radio on Thursday
‘They’ve attracted a high calibre player and they’ve got two early picks in the draft,' Dillon said.
‘I think what you want, what we want as a competition, is for all our fans of all of our clubs to have hope.
‘And I think if you sit down at the bottom for too long, fans can lose hope. And I think what you see now at West Coast is there’s a new regime.
‘(CEO) Don (Pyke) is leading really well with (chair) Elizabeth Gaines and (coach) Andrew McQualter, who had a tough year first year, but he’s going to be a good coach.
‘So they’ll get two high-quality players this year, or more than two in the draft .... and with Harley Reid as well, they are going to be OK.’
