The Geelong Cats have taken unprecedented action against midfield sensation Bailey Smith, imposing a complete social media blackout on the controversial star player. This dramatic move represents the club's latest effort to manage the 23-year-old's increasingly prominent media profile.
Club Cracks Down on Digital Presence
Insiders at the Kardinia Park headquarters confirm that Smith has been formally instructed to cease all social media activity indefinitely. The decision comes after several high-profile media appearances and online controversies that club management believes have become a distraction from football.
"The club has made it clear that Bailey needs to focus entirely on his football," revealed a source close to the playing group. "This isn't a punishment so much as a protective measure to shield him from the constant media scrutiny."
From Social Media Star to Silenced
Smith had cultivated one of the largest digital followings in the AFL, with millions of followers across various platforms. His charismatic online presence made him both a marketing dream and a media lightning rod, often generating as many headlines for his off-field activities as his on-field performances.
The social media prohibition follows several incidents where Smith's online behaviour attracted significant media attention, creating headaches for club management trying to maintain focus during the crucial stages of the season.
Broader Media Strategy Emerges
This isn't Geelong's first attempt to manage their players' media exposure. The club has been implementing increasingly strict protocols around player media engagements, particularly for their high-profile stars.
Football manager Simon Lloyd emphasised the club's position: "While we encourage our players to build their personal brands, there must be boundaries. Our primary focus remains football excellence, and sometimes that requires making difficult decisions about media exposure."
Impact on Performance and Profile
The big question now is how the social media ban will affect both Smith's form and his substantial commercial partnerships. The young star has numerous endorsement deals that heavily rely on his digital presence and engagement metrics.
Former AFL captain and media commentator David King supported the move, stating: "Sometimes young players need protection from themselves. The constant pressure of maintaining a social media presence can be overwhelming. This might be exactly what Bailey needs to rediscover his best form."
As the AFL world watches closely, all eyes will be on whether this digital detox helps one of the game's most talented yet controversial players return to the form that made him a household name.
