SMITH DELIVERS PRE-SEASON BOOST AFTER SENSATIONAL GEELONG DEBUT YEAR
Geelong Cats star Bailey Smith has officially shared exciting news with fans ahead of the upcoming AFL season, capping off a remarkable 2025 campaign that silenced any doubts about his comeback from an ACL injury.
The elite midfielder exploded onto the scene in his first year with the Cats, earning his maiden All-Australian blazer and tying with Noah Anderson for the AFL Coaches’ Association Champion Player of the Year. Smith dominated statistical leaderboards, averaging a league-high 31.7 disposals per game and ranking second in meters gained at 647.3 per match. His standout performances also saw him poll heavily in Brownlow Medal voting, cementing his place among the competition’s best.
On the field, Smith proved instrumental to Geelong’s midfield, ranking top two at the club for tackles, inside 50s, and clearances. His debut game set the tone: 32 disposals and nearly 700 meters gained, a statement of intent that carried through the entire season. Beyond numbers, his arrival injected much-needed dynamism and high-end running into the Cats’ engine room.
Off the field, Smith’s openness about his mental health struggles has resonated deeply with fans, adding layers to his public image as a modern, relatable athlete who uses his platform to connect with others.
While details of the pre-season good news remain under wraps, the announcement has sent ripples of excitement through the Geelong faithful, who will be hoping the 2025 breakout star can replicate – or surpass – his career-best form in the year aheaSMITH DELIVERS PRE-SEASON BOOST AFTER SENSATIONAL GEELONG DEBUT YEAR
Geelong Cats star Bailey Smith has officially shared exciting news with fans ahead of the upcoming AFL season, capping off a remarkable 2025 campaign that silenced any doubts about his comeback from an ACL injury.
The elite midfielder exploded onto the scene in his first year with the Cats, earning his maiden All-Australian blazer and tying with Noah Anderson for the AFL Coaches’ Association Champion Player of the Year. Smith dominated statistical leaderboards, averaging a league-high 31.7 disposals per game and ranking second in meters gained at 647.3 per match. His standout performances also saw him poll heavily in Brownlow Medal voting, cementing his place among the competition’s best.
On the field, Smith proved instrumental to Geelong’s midfield, ranking top two at the club for tackles, inside 50s, and clearances. His debut game set the tone: 32 disposals and nearly 700 meters gained, a statement of intent that carried through the entire season. Beyond numbers, his arrival injected much-needed dynamism and high-end running into the Cats’ engine room.
Off the field, Smith’s openness about his mental health struggles has resonated deeply with fans, adding layers to his public image as a modern, relatable athlete who uses his platform to connect with others.
While details of the pre-season good news remain under wraps, the announcement has sent ripples of excitement through the Geelong faithful, who will be hoping the 2025 breakout star can replicate – or surpass – his career-best form in the year ahead.
