GEELONG STAR SMITH WALKS AWAY UNHURT FROM MORNING MOTOR ACCIDENT
Geelong Cats midfield sensation Bailey Smith has escaped without injury after a motor vehicle collision in Melbourne’s inner suburbs this morning, with police confirming no one was harmed in the low-speed incident.
Emergency services were called to the intersection of Chapel Street and Toorak Road in South Yarra just after 7.45am, where Smith’s SUV was involved in a collision with a sedan. A Victoria Police spokesperson said the crash occurred when the sedan failed to yield while turning, clipping the side of the 24-year-old’s vehicle and causing minor damage to both cars.
“Both drivers were assessed at the scene by paramedics and found to have no injuries,” the spokesperson said. “The matter is being investigated, but no charges have been laid at this stage. We are asking anyone with dashcam footage of the incident to come forward.”
Smith, who was en route to the club’s GMHBA Stadium headquarters for pre-season training, took to social media shortly after to reassure fans he was “safe and sound”.
The news comes just weeks after Smith capped an extraordinary debut season with the Cats following his trade from the Western Bulldogs. In 2025, he earned an All-Australian blazer, co-won the AFLCA Champion Player of the Year Award, finished third in the Brownlow Medal count, and led the league in disposals per game with an average of 31.3 – all after recovering from a season-ending ACL injury that sidelined him for the entire 2024 campaign.
He played a pivotal role in Geelong’s run to the 2025 AFL Grand Final, where they were defeated by Brisbane Lions by 47 points on September 27. His standout performances included a 43-disposal haul against Richmond in Round 12 and a match-winning goal in the qualifying final against the Lions.
Geelong football manager Andrew Mackie said the club was “relieved” Smith had avoided injury. “Bailey is understandably a little shaken but otherwise in great spirits,” Mackie said. “We’re grateful no one was hurt and thank emergency services for their quick response. He’s expected to rejoin training later this week as we begin preparations for 2026.”
Fans flooded social media with messages of relief, with many noting Smith’s “incredible luck” after overcoming his knee setback to deliver one of the greatest individual seasons in recent AFL history.
Traffic delays in the area were cleared by 8.30am.
