Bailey Smith opens up about loneliest period ahead of AFL Grand Final

Bailey Smith has revealed the loneliest period of his life during ACL rehabilitation, as Geelong prepares for Saturday's AFL Grand Final and a chance at the club's first premiership since 2011. The 24-year-old midfielder suffered a torn ACL while with the Western Bulldogs in December 2023, sidelining him for the entire 2024 season. He has since returned to form with Geelong, finishing third in this year's Brownlow Medal race with 29 votes and helping the Cats reach the grand final by averaging more than 31 disposals and five tackles per game.

In August 2024, Smith posted footage of his solo rehabilitation, overlaying the clip with the message that the video was from that period. He described seven months and a week post-surgery as the loneliest chapter of his life, saying he had little motivation. “Seven months, 1 week post ACL surgery. No motivation,” he wrote, adding that he was training alone and facing doubts about the future. He described every session as solitary and acknowledged the doubts and anxiety that accompanied his recovery. He also revealed that he spent four weeks in a psychological ward in 2024 and has since been receiving ongoing mental-health support, expressing gratitude for the support network around him as he put that period behind him.

Smith’s on-field renaissance has included a strong final-month run, highlighted by a 36-disposal performance in Geelong's preliminary final win over Hawthorn. He has been a central figure for the Cats this season, contributing eight goals and earning a selection in this year’s All-Australian team as Geelong surged into the title decider. His comeback has been lauded for showing not only skill but resilience in facing a high-profile move, a serious injury and public scrutiny.

Brownlow Medal night at Crown Palladium also drew attention to his mental-health journey. While he wore a distinctive brown suit and sunglasses, Smith used the occasion to reiterate that his experience was about more than a personal setback; he emphasized the importance of mental fitness and the support systems that helped him through the low period. He also addressed rumors about his personal life, saying he was “just friends” with social-media personality Tammy Hembrow and that he would bring his jiu-jitsu instructor to the end-of-season celebrations instead.

With Geelong set to face Brisbane in the Grand Final, Smith signaled he remains focused on the task ahead. “See you Saturday,” he said, underscoring his readiness to contribute on the big stage. His journey this season has been framed by a blend of elite performance and candid conversation about mental health, highlighting a broader conversation within Australian sport about the pressures athletes face and the help that can aid in recovery. As Geelong chase a first premiership in over a decade, Smith’s story stands as a testament to resilience and the value of seeking support when needed.