As the AFL’s most glamorous night of the year looms, Geelong Cats star Bailey Smith has finally addressed one of the season’s hottest topics: who will accompany him to the Brownlow Medal. For weeks, speculation has swirled over whether Smith, 24, is romantically linked to fitness influencer Tammy Hembrow, 31, and if she would grace the red carpet alongside him.
Hours before the prestigious event at Crown Casino, Smith clarified the situation during an appearance on The Kyle & Jackie O Show, insisting that he and Hembrow are “just mates.”
The rumors of a budding romance began circulating after the pair were spotted hand in hand at the Gold Coast’s popular Burleigh Pavilion on August 9. Social media only fueled the speculation when a photo surfaced of Smith and Hembrow dining at Entrecôte, with Smith’s hand resting on Hembrow’s leg.
On Monday, Smith recounted how the pair first connected, revealing that he initiated contact via Instagram direct message. “It was low key,” he said, suggesting that the encounter was far from the public spectacle some assumed it to be.
These dating rumors emerged shortly after Hembrow announced her divorce from Love Island star Matt Zukowski, 30. Their split, which came just eight months after a lavish wedding at Chateau Du Soleil in Byron Bay last November, sparked intense public interest.
Zukowski publicly expressed his frustration upon hearing about Hembrow’s social outings with Smith. “I heard about this and it’s not a nice feeling,” he told The Herald Sun. “We only broke up eight weeks ago. I just don’t understand how someone can move on so quickly.”
Hembrow reflected on the challenges of her previous relationship, describing the marriage as a period where she “lost herself.” Posting to TikTok, she admitted: “Looking back, as well, it’s crazy how much I lost myself and just shrunk and shrunk and shrunk.”
Zukowski echoed a similar sentiment during a podcast appearance on Where’s your head at?, acknowledging that the marriage simply didn’t work out. “We weren’t right for each other,” he said, candidly reflecting on the end of their whirlwind romance.
Despite the media frenzy, Smith appears unfazed by the speculation surrounding his personal life. As he prepares for one of the biggest nights in the AFL calendar, the young midfielder is focused on the upcoming ceremony and the chance to be recognized for his standout season. Smith is widely expected to poll strongly for the 2025 Brownlow Medal, awarded to the league’s “best-and-fairest” player.
While Hembrow will not accompany him, Smith confirmed he would bring someone he trusts and admires: his jiu jitsu coach. “I’m taking my jiu jitsu coach. He’s a good man. He’s one of my best mates,” Smith revealed.
The Brownlow Medal is not only a celebration of individual brilliance but also one of the AFL’s most iconic social occasions. Each year, players and guests descend on Crown Casino in Melbourne, dressed in their finest attire, eager to witness the culmination of months of hard work and dedication on the field.
Smith, whose season has been marked by consistent performances and memorable on-field moments, is undoubtedly among the favorites to secure the coveted award. Teammates and fans alike will be watching closely as the votes are tallied and the ceremony unfolds.
Even without a high-profile date, Smith’s focus remains on celebrating the achievements of the 2025 AFL season and enjoying the night with close friends and teammates. The choice to bring his jiu jitsu coach highlights Smith’s grounded personality and loyalty to those who have supported him both on and off the field.
In the weeks leading up to the event, speculation about celebrity pairings and off-field romances has been rampant. Yet Smith’s candid admission underscores a refreshing honesty in a world often dominated by social media narratives and public assumptions.
As the AFL community prepares for the Brownlow Medal presentation, Smith’s clarification regarding Hembrow provides a definitive answer to one of the most discussed questions of the season. His candid approach allows fans to focus on his accomplishments on the field rather than unfounded rumors off it.
The Geelong Cats star’s 2025 campaign has been nothing short of impressive. His skill, agility, and leadership have not only contributed to his team’s success but also positioned him as a standout performer in the league. With the Brownlow Medal ceremony set to honor his efforts, all eyes will be on Smith as the evening unfolds.
While the glamour, speculation, and red carpet appearances often capture headlines, the essence of the Brownlow Medal remains the celebration of athletic excellence. For Smith, bringing along his jiu jitsu coach represents a personal touch in a night of public spectacle, reminding fans that genuine friendships and support systems remain central to his journey.
Ultimately, as the 2025 Brownlow Medal draws near, Bailey Smith’s honesty about his relationship with Tammy Hembrow not only puts rumors to rest but also reinforces his focus on football, friendship, and the milestones that truly define his career.