Caroline Wilson Renews Criticism of Bailey Smith and Geelong Football Club
Channel Seven football journalist Caroline Wilson has once again directed strong criticism towards both Bailey Smith and the Geelong Football Club in the aftermath of last year's controversial Mad Monday scandal. In a recent interview, Wilson described Smith as "gutless" and accused him of making "horrible comments about women," marking another chapter in her ongoing dispute with the player and club.
The Controversial Instagram Posts
The controversy stems from Geelong's post-season celebration last year, where teammate Max Holmes dressed as Wilson while Smith wore a costume inspired by Brad Pitt's character Tristan Ludlow from the film Legends of the Fall. Smith posted an image of the pair on Instagram with the caption: 'Caro has never looked better,' accompanied by a sweat-droplets emoji that often carries sexual connotations.
Wilson wrote in her October column: '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.' The 25-year-old midfielder quickly deleted the post, but the damage had been done.
Additional Social Media Controversy
Smith further inflamed tensions by posting another Instagram photo with Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield, both dressed in western-themed outfits. The image showed the two players embracing, with Smith referencing the film Brokeback Mountain in his caption: 'Or Brokeback Mountain, depends on how ya look at it. This is what losing a granny does to ya. Alright, phone away now. Bye.'
This post particularly angered members of the LGBTQAI+ community, including former West Coast Eagles star Mitch Brown, who recently made history as the AFL's first openly bisexual player.
Club Response and Apologies
Geelong Football Club issued a formal apology following the scandal, stating: 'Geelong Football Club sincerely apologises for the offence caused following our end-of-season gathering on Monday. Certain costumes and associated social media posts were inappropriate and a significant error of judgment.'
The club announced that future post-season events would not continue in their current form and committed to further educating players about expectations and community standards.
Wilson's Ongoing Disappointment
Three months after the incident, Wilson expressed her disappointment during an interview with 3AW, particularly criticizing how the AFL club handled the situation. 'My disappointment about Mad Monday is that Bailey Smith is troubled, he had a good season, but the emoji he put on an Instagram post about me was disgusting,' she stated.
Wilson revealed she initially didn't understand the connotations of the sweat-droplets emoji and had to ask her daughter to explain its meaning. 'Look, it was really embarrassing. I was overseas at the time. My youngest daughter had to tell me what it meant,' she admitted.
Personal Apologies Received
Wilson confirmed she eventually received apologies from several parties. 'Finally, I did catch up with Grant McCabe, the chairman, a month or so later. He apologised on behalf of the club,' she said. 'Max Holmes got in touch immediately, he'd dressed up as me, I didn't have a massive issue with that. He was deeply embarrassed and apologetic.'
However, she maintained her criticism of Smith: 'Bailey Smith is gutless. And he makes horrible comments about women, and irresponsible comments.'
Criticism of Club Leadership
Wilson also directed criticism at Geelong's leadership, including coach Chris Scott. 'What really disappointed me was leaders of that club have lowered their own standards in trying to build him up and defend him, including Chris Scott,' she explained.
'Chris Scott described it as a joke that fell flat. Now I hope no one ever does anything like that or makes a comment about anyone close to Chris Scott. I thought he was better than that,' Wilson added, expressing disappointment in what she perceived as a breakdown in their professional relationship.
Club Management's Response
Geelong CEO Steve Hocking addressed the matter publicly, acknowledging the club's responsibility. 'Mad Monday is absolutely on all of us. There is a range of people that were part of that. There's certain individuals who dressed inappropriately,' Hocking stated.
Regarding Smith specifically, Hocking commented: 'There will be a time in my view this will involve all of us in the off-season, whereby we need to (talk to him). It's not about tiptoeing around someone like Bailey but more about tailoring it accordingly.'
Smith's Football Journey
Despite the controversy, Smith had a successful season with Geelong after joining the club in 2025 following recovery from an ACL injury that sidelined him for the entire 2024 season. The midfielder helped guide the Victorian club to the AFL Grand Final, where they ultimately lost to Brisbane.
The 25-year-old, originally drafted to the Bulldogs in 2018, has made 127 AFL appearances and scored 52 goals throughout his career.
Broader Implications
Wilson concluded with broader criticism of the club's culture regarding women: 'I think there are a lot of women in the game who don't think Geelong has the respect for women that it should have.'
While the AFL issued a stern warning to Smith and Geelong following the scandal, the league has faced criticism for what some perceive as insufficient action regarding the matter.
