AFL footballer Bailey Smith has publicly clarified the true nature of his much-speculated relationship with fitness influencer Tammy Hembrow, firmly stating they are friends. The 25-year-old sports star appeared on the Today show this week to address the persistent rumours.
"Just Friends": Smith's Awkward TV Confession
During the interview, Smith insisted that Hembrow, who is 31, is simply a "really close mate at the minute." He elaborated that the six-year age gap has led to her taking on a mentoring role, offering him valuable life advice. "She's a bit older than me and I need it. So she's been good," he explained.
The conversation took an awkward turn when hosts questioned if he was implying Hembrow was a 'cougar'. A red-faced Smith stumbled, replying, "No, no... you're throwing me under the bus. I threw myself under the bus." He was quick to add praise, saying, "She's the best though, honestly. She's helped me with a lot of things." When pressed on whether romantic sparks had ever flown, Smith conceded, "Yeah they did, but they always fade out here and there."
The Official 'Hard Launch' as Tinder Coaches
Smith recently made their status official in an unexpected way, teaming up with Hembrow for a promotional campaign with the dating app Tinder. In a cheeky Instagram video, he announced, "I'm actually hard launching someone today." He revealed, "Hey guys. So Tammy and I have decided to make it official. We're gonna be each other's Tinder coaches this summer."
The announcement, timed ahead of Dating Sunday on January 4 – the busiest day of the year for dating apps – confirmed they are entering 2026 as friends. Smith poked fun at his own social media habits, stating they would be "working on less shirtless selfies and more substance." As part of their partnership, the duo will refresh each other's dating profiles and offer candid advice.
Moving Forward Firmly as Friends
This clarification follows months of speculation about an on-again, off-again romance between the pair, which made headlines last year. Despite the rumours continuing to swirl, both have now drawn a definitive line. While romance rumours have continued to swirl, the pair have now confirmed they are stepping into 2026 firmly as friends. Their focus is now solely on their new collaborative venture, leaving their dating history firmly in the past.
