Respected AFL journalist Caroline Wilson has openly criticized both Geelong Football Club and player Bailey Smith following what she described as “insulting” behavior during the club’s end-of-year celebrations. Wilson, known for her candid commentary, labeled Smith a “selfish brat” and deemed Geelong’s response to the incident as “pathetic.”
In a strongly-worded column titled “Bailey Smith’s social media post about me was insulting and sexist. How dare he?”, Wilson did not mince words. She expressed her dismay over Smith’s actions during the club’s Mad Monday festivities, which she described as the culmination of a “season-long ticking time bomb.”
Background of the Incident
The controversy erupted during Geelong’s traditional Mad Monday or Wacky Wednesday celebrations, events that have long been a staple for the club. This year, the festivities took an unfortunate turn when Smith’s teammate, Max Holmes, dressed as Wilson, and Smith posted a series of Instagram updates from the event. These posts, which have since been deleted, were deemed offensive by Wilson and others.
Geelong later issued an apology, acknowledging that “certain costumes and associated social media posts were inappropriate and a significant error of judgement.” The club vowed to alter the format of future events and emphasized their commitment to educating their members on community standards.
Wilson’s Critique and Broader Implications
Wilson’s critique extended beyond Smith to Geelong’s leadership, particularly targeting club chief Steve Hocking for his silence. “Geelong’s response after the club’s annual post-season dress-up was to release a generic apology after 48 hours of argy-bargy with head office,” Wilson wrote. “No individual put their name to the statement which declared costumes would be banned forthwith.”
She further criticized the club’s handling of Smith, suggesting that his behavior was excused due to his public struggles with mental health. “Speaking about the behaviour of AFL players through the lens of mental health can be tricky but Smith behaved on Monday like a lawless selfish brat,” Wilson stated. She highlighted the broader impact of Smith’s actions, noting that they were offensive to both the gay community and women in the industry.
“And the post was only taken down after my female colleague Jacqui Reed complained to the club. Geelong’s media team has been MIA throughout September, and where was football boss Andrew Mackie on Monday?”
Community and Industry Reactions
The incident has sparked a wider conversation within the AFL community about player conduct and the responsibilities of clubs to uphold standards. Wilson’s column resonated with many, as she noted, “This is not a case of professional outrage. How dare Smith get away with sending such an insulting and sexist message to aspiring females with strong opinions working in the media or elsewhere in the AFL.”
While Wilson mentioned she did not have a major issue with Holmes’ costume, which was followed by a personal apology, her primary concern remained with Smith’s social media actions. “Smith’s social media post and an emoji my daughter had to explain to me” were particularly troubling, she wrote, highlighting the need for accountability.
Looking Forward
The fallout from this incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by sports organizations in managing player behavior and public relations. Geelong’s commitment to reforming their post-season celebrations is a step towards addressing these issues.
As the AFL community reflects on this controversy, the emphasis remains on fostering an environment of respect and inclusivity. Wilson’s critique serves as a reminder of the power of media figures to hold clubs and players accountable, and the importance of addressing misconduct swiftly and effectively.
