Geelong star Bailey Smith has received a fine for flipping off a spectator following the Cats’ win over Adelaide – but says it was done in defence of captain Patrick Dangerfield.
Smith, who starred with 35 disposals and six clearances, was heading down the race at the Adelaide Oval following Thursday night’s match when he appeared to be heckled by a fan.
He responded by turning around and raising both middle fingers.
Smith received a ‘please explain’ from the AFL for the middle-finger salute, and has been fined $1500, which can be reduced to $1000 with an early plea.
Speaking to 7 News, Smith said a fan getting ‘stuck into ‘Danger’ [Dangerfield] was what prompted the gesture.
“It was probably not my best moment – but I was just walking off getting around the fans and then someone was just getting stuck into Danger a bit more than he should have,” Smith said.
“We were in enemy territory and I kind of love that sort of stuff. I love the back and forth between the fans.
“If I had my time again I probably shouldn’t have done the double-bird, but it’s just all part of it and there’s only so much you can cop.
“I’ll expect probably a fine or something but don’t talk s–t to the skipper, I guess.
“He [Dangerfield] can’t do it [bite back]. He’s got a good image to uphold, whereas I’m a bit different.
“I just don’t like some of the stuff that was being said… obviously you want to win with grace.
“That wasn’t anything untoward towards the Adelaide Crows in general, just the one bloke that was making a big effort to get stuck into Danger.”
When asked what exactly the fan said, Smith answered: “Just him at the Crows and a bit of personal stuff, but when you get into deeper details it was a bit far.”
Smith is also hopeful that Dangerfield will chip in to help pay his fine.
“I’ll just get a fine because it’s obviously just a bad look, which I completely agree with,” he said.
“Hopefully it’s not too hefty. We’ll see, but I might get Danger to pay for it hopefully!”
Smith has made a dominant start to life as a Cat after an off-season trade from the Western Bulldogs, where he played the first 103 games of his AFL career – though none since 2023 after an ACL injury wiped out his 2024 season.
Averaging 30 disposals a game across four matches, he has bolstered the Cats’ once-weak midfield, with he and Max Holmes (32 disposals) front and centre in a stirring comeback win over the Crows.
From 30 points down midway through the second quarter, the Cats stormed home with a five-goal final quarter to deny the Crows a Gather Round win for the second year in a row, having lost their 2024 fixture to Melbourne.
Bailey Smith has made a bright start to life at Geelong. Photo: Geelong Cats
Roos star commits on monster deal
In-demand North Melbourne midfielder Luke Davies-Uniacke has shunned free agency to sign a monster seven-year contract extension in a major boost for the Kangaroos.
Davies-Uniacke will remain at Arden Street until at least the end of 2032, signing on ahead of their Gather Round fixture against Gold Coast at Barossa Park on Saturday.
His re-signing comes after a breakout 2024 season, the 25-year-old featuring in every game for the Kangaroos to win his maiden club best-and-fairest.
North Melbourne football talent boss Brady Rawlings says Davies-Uniacke’s re-signing highlights strong faith in the club.
The Kangaroos are 13th (1-3) on the ladder but have already benefited from an influx of experience brought by former Sydney skipper Luke Parker, ex-Western Bulldog Caleb Daniel and former West Coast forward Jack Darling.
“Luke is a very important and much-loved member of our playing group, so to have him sign on for seven more years is brilliant news for us and our supporters,” Rawlings said in a club statement.
“His long-term commitment despite significant interest from other clubs is also a fantastic show of confidence in our program and the future of the club.
“At 25, Luke has plenty of great football still ahead of him, and we look forward to watching him deliver it here at North Melbourne.”
Davies-Uniacke follows Tristan Xerri (until 2029) and Harry Sheezel (2030) in re-signing with the club.
(with AAP)
