Bailey Smith was a notable absentee from Geelong’s captain’s run on Thursday, but coach Chris Scott has moved quickly to play down any concerns over the star midfielder’s availability for the qualifying final against Brisbane.
Smith, who last week revealed he had spent time in a mental health facility during his recovery from knee surgery in 2024, has been at the centre of both public admiration and scrutiny.
His omission from the light hit-out at GMHBA Stadium raised eyebrows, yet Scott remained firm that there was no underlying issue.
MORE: AFL clubs keen on Collingwood star Bobby Hill - AFL trade news
Scott: ‘He just tries to avoid you guys’
“He just tries to avoid you guys as much as possible … except when he doesn’t, so it’s a bit hard to work out,” Scott told reporters. “But I didn’t see you guys out there either, and I’m fine.”
The coach also reiterated his pride in Smith’s openness and resilience since joining the Cats. “What I do have a strong opinion on is how proud I am, and we are, of the journey that he’s been on,” Scott said. “It’s only been less than a year with us, but he’s just been outstanding in every way.”
Brisbane coach Chris Fagan also weighed in, praising Smith’s honesty. “It’s a highly public sport that we play … there are plenty of people out there on social media who say whatever they want to say, and that puts an enormous amount of pressure on players. We have to respect the fact that sometimes the players don’t cope, and it leads to mental health type of issues,” Fagan said.
With just ruck Toby Conway officially on the Cats’ injury list, Geelong are otherwise in strong health heading into their MCG showdown.