Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield has thrown his support behind star midfielder Bailey Smith following an incident at the Cats’ open training session earlier this month, where Smith was caught verbally abusing a photographer.

The 23-year-old midfielder was forced to apologise after he was photographed flipping his middle finger at a female photographer before launching into an expletive-laden tirade. The photographer, who was positioned in the stands and simply doing her job, was left stunned by Smith’s outburst. The incident quickly drew criticism from fans and commentators alike, with Smith told to “pull his head in” after yet another lapse in judgment this season.

Dangerfield’s Stance

When asked about the matter on AFL360, Dangerfield said he did not believe it was his place to scold his teammate in the moment.

“Was it a moment to intervene?” co-host Gerard Whateley asked.

“Ahhh, no – I wasn’t even aware it was happening. I don’t think any of our guys did to be honest,” Dangerfield responded. “It was a training session so yeah I think there’s incidences that happen that you know, upon reflection yeah he’d like his time back again.

“But there’s always context to it – and sometimes it’s relevant and sometimes it’s not.

“And clearly he’s remorseful and didn’t get it totally right – but he’s not perfect and no one is so we’re not gonna court martial him to the town square for it.”

Dangerfield’s comments reflected a belief that while Smith’s actions were wrong, the situation had been blown out of proportion given his already high-profile status.

Leadership Response

Whateley pressed further, asking whether Smith had been spoken to by the club’s leadership.

“Do you have a conversation as a leadership group with him?” he asked.

Dangerfield replied: “No – we don’t really have a leadership group Gerard, to be honest.”

When pushed on his role specifically as captain, Dangerfield explained his priority was Smith’s welfare rather than punishment.

“First and foremost it’s a check in because the blow up, particularly around someone who is covered as extensively as what Bailey is, is significant. So it’s check in first and foremost,” Dangerfield said.

“He doesn’t need me to tell him he did the wrong thing – he knew that.

“So there’s a fine balance between ‘you’ve got to be better’ – the athlete knowing that, and then you know equipping them the right way to handle it next time, but also not drawing them across the coals for too long.

“At some point you’ve got to move on and focus on what’s next.”

A Season of Controversy

Smith’s latest slip-up is not the first time he has courted controversy this season. The talented midfielder has already been fined twice for making middle finger gestures during matches. His fiery temperament, while part of his competitive edge, has repeatedly landed him in hot water both on and off the field.

This particular incident reportedly occurred while Smith was receiving treatment on the boundary line. The midfielder later admitted he became frustrated at being photographed in that vulnerable moment. He is alleged to have told the photographer she was “doing a f---ing s--t job” before storming away.

Smith’s actions quickly drew the attention of Geelong’s management. Cats CEO Steve Hocking personally phoned the photographer on behalf of the club to apologise, while Smith followed up with an apology text message. The gesture helped ease tensions, though debate around his behaviour continued in the media.

Balancing Accountability and Support

Dangerfield’s defence highlights a broader challenge for AFL clubs when dealing with star players under the microscope. Smith’s talent makes him one of Geelong’s most marketable figures, but his repeated lapses risk overshadowing his on-field contributions.

The captain’s remarks suggest the club is keen to strike a balance between accountability and support. While Smith has faced fines and public criticism, Geelong’s leadership appears focused on helping him manage the pressures that come with intense scrutiny.

As Dangerfield emphasised, the immediate response was to check in on Smith’s mental state rather than lecture him further. For a player regularly targeted by cameras and headlines, the weight of constant attention can sometimes lead to combustible reactions.

Moving Forward

Despite the controversies, Smith remains a vital part of Geelong’s plans. His pace, skill, and ability to break games open ensure that the Cats will stand by him as he learns to better manage his frustrations.

For now, the midfielder has publicly acknowledged his wrongdoing and expressed remorse. His apology, while necessary, will need to be backed up with improved discipline and composure.

Fans and commentators alike will watch closely to see how Smith handles himself in the weeks ahead. With Geelong pushing for consistency in their campaign, the focus will need to shift back onto football rather than off-field distractions.

Dangerfield summed it up best when he said: “At some point you’ve got to move on and focus on what’s next.”

If Smith can channel his passion into performance rather than outbursts, the Cats will be all the stronger for it.

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