Bailey Smith arrives at Brownlow Medal in sunglasses, denies Tammy Hembrow romance
Geelong star attends in a black tuxedo with 'speed dealer' shades as rumors swirl; Tammy Hembrow was not on his arm and says they are just mates
Bailey Smith arrived at the Brownlow Medal count Monday night in an all-black tuxedo, pairing it with a bold pair of 'speed dealer' sunglasses as the AFL's night of nights unfolded. The Geelong Cats midfielder entered alongside the AFL's biggest celebration of the season, and his ensemble drew attention amid swirling chatter about a possible romance with Gold Coast creator Tammy Hembrow. Hembrow was not seen at the event.
The 24-year-old midfielder addressed the romance speculation during an interview on KIIS FM's Kyle & Jackie O show earlier Monday. He said, "No, I'm not taking Tammy tonight. She's not a big footy fan. And we're just mates." He also revealed that he would be bringing his jiu-jitsu instructor as his guest for the occasion, calling him "one of my best mates" who would be blind all night. "I'm taking my jiu-jitsu coach. He's a good man. He's one of my best mates. And he'll be blind all night. Yeah, he's having a big one."
Hours after the interview, Hembrow posted an Instagram selfie that amplified the online chatter around the couple, sharing a bikini-shot image as the evening's headlines swirled. The activity on social media followed Smith's public confirmation that the two are not romantically linked and are simply friends.
The Brownlow Medal remains one of the AFL’s marquee nights, and Smith is among the contenders thanks to a standout first season at Kardinia Park. His blend of blistering pace, contested work, and late-season form has put him in the frame for the sport’s most coveted individual prize. Predictive models have once again suggested a tight finish, with Collingwood’s Nick Daicos leading many simulations after a season built on consistent production and bursts that punctuated critical moments. Gold Coast’s Noah Anderson has emerged as a genuine star in the Suns’ midfield, while Adelaide captain Jordan Dawson and Fremantle’s Caleb Serong round out several top-tier contenders. Each has delivered moments that could influence Brownlow voting as the night progresses and the league tallies its votes.
As the night unfolds, attention will continue to balance between Smith’s performance on the field, the strength of the other contenders, and the broader narrative surrounding personal lives off field that have kept fans and commentators talking for weeks. The Brownlow Medal count, always a blend of voting precision and narrative, is set to reveal its winner in what is shaping up to be another memorable chapter in AFL history.