- Bailey Smith’s Instagram post left many football fans intrigued
- The Western Bulldogs star said: “There are two sides to every story”
- The midfielder has formally requested a transfer from Whitten Oval
- Smith, 23, is expected to be on Geelong’s roster in 2025.
AFL superstar Bailey Smith has sparked conversations by quickly deleting an Instagram post that read “reminder: there are two sides to every story” alongside a clown emoji.
The post, which also included the term “one day”, comes after the Western Bulldogs midfielder officially told the club he wants to be traded, with the likes of Geelong, Hawthorn and Collingwood said to be interested in securing Smith’s services next season.
Smith, who starred during the Bulldogs’ run to the 2021 grand final, was forced to sit out the entire 2024 campaign after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in training in December.
The 23-year-old’s future has been a constant topic of conversation, and as the season progressed it became clearer that he wanted out of Whitten Oval.
As the Bulldogs began exit meetings on Monday following Friday night’s elimination final loss to the Hawks, the club confirmed Smith had requested a transfer.
“Western Bulldogs midfielder Bailey Smith has informed the club of his desire to seek a trade this off-season,” a statement read on Monday.
The 23-year-old has yet to name a favourite club.
AFL superstar Bailey Smith has made headlines after quickly deleting an Instagram post which read “reminder: there are two sides to every story” alongside a clown emoji.
Smith’s social media post on Tuesday also included the term “one day” (pictured above).
Smith made his AFL debut for the Bulldogs in 2019 and quickly became a fan favourite.
‘Given Bailey’s immense talent, age and proven ability to impact matches, the club will work diligently to ensure he is fairly compensated throughout the process.’
Smith has played 103 AFL games since being drafted by the Bulldogs in 2018.
Experts believe he is most likely to end up at Geelong, but if he does join the team, he could be surrounded by controversy.
If signed by the Cats to play under coach Chris Scott, Smith’s ambassadorship deal with Cotton On will be closely scrutinised given the clothing brand is also the AFL club’s main sponsor.
Veteran AFL journalist Jon Ralph questioned how potential third-party deals might play out for Smith, given he has been an ambassador since 2022 and is “a brand in his own right, as well as a social media influencer”.
Ralph’s Fox Footy colleague Jay Clark added that the AFL would “want to see consistency in past earnings” compared to what Smith could potentially earn under new contractual arrangements at Geelong.
Smith made his AFL debut for the Bulldogs in 2019 against the Swans and quickly built a reputation as one of the competition’s elite midfielders due to his athleticism.