AFL CEO Andrew Dillon has addressed the controversial behaviour of Geelong superstar Bailey Smith at Monday night’s Brownlow Medal.
Smith was second favourite for the award and ended up polling a club-record 36 votes to finish second behind runaway winner Nick Daicos.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Dillon comments on Smith’s controversial Brownlow night
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The 25-year-old is one of the biggest names, but was initially tipped to not attend the function after undergoing shoulder surgery last week.
But despite arriving late, Smith did in fact attend the function, although he reportedly refused to do interviews.
However, his social media antics drew some criticism when he posted a selfie of himself in a lift at Crown with the caption “5 mins to get ready f*** me”.
Veteran Seven journalist Caroline Wilson asked Dillon point-blank if he was disappointed about Smith’s antics.
“When he did turn up, he swore on social media, refused to be interviewed by the host broadcaster, which I think is part of a commitment of a player, particularly one of his stature. Are you disappointed, given that you had reminded him last year of his importance to the game, that he would behave like that on your night of nights?” Wilson asked on The Agenda Setters.
Dillon was diplomatic in his response, preferring to highlight’s Smith brilliant season.
“I was aware, look, I saw him at the Brownlow, but I was pretty occupied trying to read all the votes out,” he said.
“From what I understand, he was there a little bit late, but he attended.
“He’s undergone surgery, so there was some conjecture as to whether he had a medical certificate or not, but conversations between the AFL and Geelong, his management, he was there, he fronted up.
“He had an unbelievable season, polled 36 votes.”
Wilson then questioned Dillon whether it was appropriate for Smith to swear on social media.
“I didn’t see the social media, but yeah, probably not,” he said.
“But look, what I would say is, as I said, he had a great season, he turned up to the Brownlow, so he looked really good in some of the photos.
“He’s one of the most marketable players in the competition, he’s one of the best, and we’ll continue to work with him on that.”
Smith has had a string of off-field incidents in recent years that has drawn the ire of the AFL.
Dillon even drove to Smith’s house last year for a secret meeting to discuss the 25-year-old’s behaviour after some questionable social media posts and two separate ‘obscene gestures’ on the field.
The pair were also pictured together at last year’s Brownlow Medal, with Smith sporting sunglasses.
Smith has largely stayed out of controversy this year, putting together his second consecutive All-Australian season.
After undergoing surgery last week, Smith is expected to stay out of contact training until the new year.
