AnySelected

Geelong coach Chris Scott has fiercely defended recruit Bailey Smith, dismissing critics as “ultra-conservative finger-waggers” and downplaying recent media attention surrounding the player. The comments come after Smith once again found himself in the headlines following Geelong’s victory over his former club, Essendon.

Scott's strong words were a clear rebuke to those within the AFL community who have been publicly questioning Smith's behaviour and suitability for the Cats. He labelled the criticism as trivial and urged those offering judgment to refrain from interfering with Smith’s adaptation to his new club.

“I think some people just like to have a go,” Scott said. “There’s a group of ultra-conservative finger-waggers who seem to enjoy pointing out perceived flaws in young players. They should lay off him. He’s a good young man who’s trying to find his feet at a new club.”

Smith’s move to Geelong was met with considerable fanfare, but his transition hasn’t been without its challenges. He has faced scrutiny for his off-field activities and has occasionally struggled to consistently impact games. However, Scott remains confident in Smith’s potential and believes the recent attention is overblown.

“He’s a talented player, and he’s working hard to improve,” Scott stated. “The things that have been written about him are simply not reflective of the person he is. We’re all about supporting our players, and we’ll continue to do that with Bailey.”

The coach’s defense of Smith highlights the growing pressure on AFL clubs to protect their players from relentless media scrutiny and public opinion. It also underscores Scott's willingness to stand up for his players and challenge those who he believes are unfairly targeting them.

The win against Essendon, Smith’s former team, provided a bittersweet moment for the young player. While contributing to the victory, the match inevitably brought renewed focus on his transition and performance. Scott’s backing, however, signals a clear message of support and a determination to help Smith thrive in his new environment. The Geelong faithful will be hoping this support translates into positive performances on the field as the season progresses.

This latest episode underscores a broader debate within the AFL – the balance between holding players accountable and providing them with the space and support they need to develop, both on and off the field. Scott’s staunch defense of Smith is a powerful statement in this ongoing conversation.