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Bailey Smith has revealed the secret behind the latest upgrade to his $4million Surf Coast property and it has little to do with footy training.
The Geelong midfielder, who is preparing for the AFL decider against the Brisbane Lions, confirmed he has installed a tennis court at his Bellbrae home as he spoke to media during the grand final parade in Melbourne on Friday.
But while fans might assume it is for sharpening up his forehand, Smith admitted the real reason is far more social.
'It's more for Mad Monday than me,' he said, before conceding he is also a tennis fan.
Smith's sprawling 5.8-hectare property near Torquay has been a hive of activity in recent weeks, with excavators and Bobcats tearing through lawns as part of a major landscaping project.
Photos posted to his social media showed earthmoving equipment working several feet below the grass line, while other posts tagged local company Endlessturf, a business known for laying premium artificial surfaces for tennis courts, golf greens and luxury backyards.
Bailey Smith joined his teammates in the AFL grand final parade through Melbourne’s streets on Friday (pictured)
Excavators are pictured transforming the Geelong star’s sprawling Bellbrae property, with heavy machinery digging deep into the soil for new upgrades
Smith bought his Surf Coast property in 2024 for $4million, just weeks before his blockbuster move to Geelong
By the end of the work, Smith shared images of a manicured new surface alongside installed light poles, turning part of the block into a space that looks set to become a party hotspot.
The 24-year-old picked up the secluded property in September 2024, weeks before his headline-grabbing move from the Western Bulldogs to the Cats.
Nestled just east of Bellbrae and a short drive from Geelong's home ground, the home boasts an orchard, heated floors, an outdoor entertainment area, huge windows and enough land to run livestock.
Smith hit the ground running with the Cats after missing 2024 with an ACL tear.
He delivered a career-best campaign, averaging 31.4 disposals a game across 22 matches.
Now he is eyeing off a premiership medal to cap off a remarkable comeback.
'It's exciting, I am super grateful but I am ready for 2.30pm tomorrow,' he said ahead of the grand final build-up.
'This stuff I'll take it all in but I won't do too much reflecting until hopefully we're holding a premiership cup and I've got a medal around my neck.'
Smith's romance with Tammy Hembrow (pictured) had cooled off by the time he attended the Brownlow Medal on Monday night
Smith averaged career-best numbers in 2025, and now all eyes will turn to his performance on grand final day
Away from footy, Smith's private life has also drawn attention in recent months. His high-profile romance with influencer Tammy Hembrow first made headlines when the pair were spotted together on the Gold Coast.
They were seen dining at trendy restaurants, walking hand in hand, and sharing affectionate moments that quickly found their way onto social media.
The relationship became official when both shared images online, prompting a wave of interest from fans and fashion watchers alike.
Hembrow was even tipped to make a statement appearance on the Brownlow red carpet alongside the Geelong midfielder, before he elected to bring a friend instead.
Reports have emerged that their romance has cooled and she may no longer be part of Smith's big football moments.
