Geelong’s Bailey Smith Reveals Mental Health Battle at AFL All-Australian Awards

Geelong star Bailey Smith has openly shared his mental health struggles during the 2024 season while recovering from an ACL injury at his former club, the Western Bulldogs. Smith revealed he spent about a month voluntarily in a psychiatric facility and continues to see a psychiatrist, emphasizing the importance of mental health rehabilitation similar to physical injury recovery. Despite initial feelings of emasculation in seeking help, he changed his mindset to treat mental fitness as vital, aiming to raise awareness and encourage others to seek support without stigma. His resilience and performance this season earned him a maiden All-Australian selection on the wing, marking a remarkable comeback in his first year at Geelong. The announcement was met with surprise and applause at the AFL Awards, reflecting the impact of his candidness. Smith credited his family and manager for their support through difficult times, highlighting the broader challenges athletes face beyond the field.