AFL Chief Executive Andrew Dillon has broken his silence on the controversial 'Mad Monday' antics of Western Bulldogs star Bailey Smith, while simultaneously issuing a stern warning to Geelong veteran Tom Hawkins about on-field conduct.
Dillon's Verdict on Smith's Wild Celebration
In his first public comments since viral footage emerged of Smith's excessive celebrations, Dillon confirmed the AFL Integrity Unit has launched a formal investigation into the incident. "We're aware of the situation and looking into it thoroughly," Dillon stated, choosing his words carefully during a media briefing.
The Bulldogs leadership group had already taken decisive action, suspending Smith for two matches and imposing a $20,000 fine - half of which was suspended. This internal discipline came after disturbing videos circulated showing the 23-year-old midfielder in compromising situations during the team's end-of-season festivities.
Geelong Superstar in the Crosshairs
In a surprising twist, Dillon turned his attention to Geelong's powerhouse forward Tom Hawkins, delivering an unambiguous warning about the veteran's recent on-field behaviour. "Tom Hawkins is a champion of our game, but there are standards we expect all players to maintain," Dillon emphasised.
The AFL boss specifically referenced Hawkins' controversial sling tackle on Gold Coast's Charlie Ballard during Round 22, which many experts argued warranted stricter punishment than the single-match suspension received.
Accountability Across the Board
Dillon's dual-focused approach sends a clear message that the league will hold both emerging talents and established veterans to the same high standards. "Whether you're a young player like Bailey or a seasoned professional like Tom, the expectations remain consistent," he declared.
The AFL chief's comments come at a crucial time for the league, which has been grappling with balancing player welfare against maintaining the game's reputation. With pre-season preparations looming, Dillon's statements set the tone for what promises to be a closely monitored 2024 season.
As investigations continue and players return to training, all eyes will be on how Smith responds to his suspension and whether Hawkins heeds the league's warning about his physical approach to the game.
