AFL heartthrob Bailey Smith flips the bird as he's seen for the first time since announcing his trade request from the Western Bulldogs By Savanna Young For Daily Mail Australia Published: 23:33, 16 September 2024 | Updated: 23:33, 16 September 2024 e-mail View comments Bailey Smith showed off his bad boy side as he was seen for the first time since asking the Western Bulldogs for a trade . The AFL star, 23, stepped out with fellow footy pals Charlie Curnow and Nick Daicos to promote his Barry alcohol range at a Vintage Cellars store in Melbourne on Friday. Wearing a pale blue short-sleeved shirt, the midfielder raised both middle fingers for the cameras while Curnow carried a wine box filled with cans of Barry's shochu vodka soda drinks.
Smith paired his look with denim jeans, blue and white sneakers while sporting his signature mullet. Last week, Smith officially told the Western Bulldogs club he wants to be traded, with the likes of Geelong, Hawthorn and Collingwood said to be interested in securing his 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 rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament at training in December .
The 23-year-old's future has been a constant talking point, with it becoming clearer the longer the season went on that he wanted out of Whitten Oval. As the Bulldogs began exit meetings on Monday following last Friday night's elimination final defeat to the Hawks, the club confirmed Smith asked to be traded. Bailey Smith showed off his bad boy side as he was seen for the first time since asking the Western Bulldogs for a trade '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 is yet to nominate a preferred club. 'Given Bailey's immense talent, age and proven ability to influence games, the club will work diligently to ensure it is fairly compensated throughout the process.' Smith has played 103 AFL games since being drafted by the Bulldogs in 2018.
Experts believe he's most likely to end up at Geelong, but if he does head to the team, controversy could be waiting for him. The AFL star, 23, stepped out to promote his Barry alcohol range at a Vintage Cellars store in Melbourne on Friday He was seen with fellow footy pals Charlie Curnow (right) and Nick Daicos (left) Should the Cats sign him to play under coach Chris Scott, Smith's ambassador deal with Cotton On will be heavily scrutinised given the clothing label is also the AFL club's major sponsor. Veteran AFL journalist Jon Ralph questioned how potential third-party deals for Smith could play out given he has been an ambassador since 2022 and is 'a brand himself, plus a social media influencer'.
Jay Clark, Ralph's colleague at Fox Footy, added the AFL would 'want to see consistency in previous earnings' compared to what what Smith could potentially earn under new contract arrangements at Geelong. Smith made his AFL debut for the Bulldogs in 2019 against the Swans and quickly forged a reputation as one of the competition's elite midfielders due to his athleticism. Wearing a pale blue short-sleeved shirt, the midfielder chatted with Curnow who was carrying a wine box filled with cans of Barry's shochu vodka soda drinks It all comes after Smith quietly separated from his girlfriend Gemma Dawkins earlier this year.
Bailey first confirmed their romance in May 2022 and they made their public debut as a couple on the 2023 Derby Day in Melbourne. The private couple have kept their relationship relatively under wraps ever since, but are now believed to have gone their separate ways. They appear to have unfollowed each other on Instagram and Bailey last shared a photograph with Gemma in February during a romantic trip to New York.
Smith, who starred during the Bulldogs' run to the 2021 grand final, was forced to sit out the entire 2024 campaign after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament at training in December Smith made his AFL debut for the Bulldogs in 2019 and quickly became a fan favourite Read More Pauline Hanson erupts at 'Welcome to Country' ceremonies after AFL speech backlash Bailey's friends have rallied around him and they recently joined a fun-filled night out together at Melbourne hotspot, The Commons Collective. The midfielder, who made his AFL debut in 2019, first confirmed he was in a relationship during an interview in May 2022. In the low-key admission, he told how his girlfriend's father had seen him in shirtless adverts for fashion brand Cotton On.
'It's funny. My girlfriend's dad drives past it every day,' he revealed. 'It's hilarious .
.. It's interesting but I don't pay too much attention to it [but just focus on my footy].
' Later that year, Bailey was then seen putting on a loved-up display with Gemma as they were spotted holding hands during a walk. The low-key couple then finally made their public debut at the 2023 Derby Day in Melbourne. AFL heartthrob Bailey Smith is believed to have split from his girlfriend of two years Gemma Dawkins (pictured on the 2024 Derby Day) Share or comment on this article: AFL heartthrob Bailey Smith flips the bird as he's seen for the first time since announcing his trade request from the Western Bulldogs e-mail Add comment.
