Overview
- AFL correspondence was sent to Bailey Smith, his agent Paul Connors, Geelong CEO Steve Hocking and football boss Andrew Mackie, with 7NEWS reporting it as a final warning that further indiscretions will bring fines or suspension.
- The escalation followed a deleted Instagram post featuring a Footy Show thumbnail of Sam Newman berating journalist Caroline Wilson.
- No formal sanctions have been announced to date, but league sources indicate the cumulative pattern of behaviour now meets the threshold for action if it continues.
- Geelong apologised for offensive Mad Monday content and said future post‑season events will not continue in their current form from 2026, with plans to increase internal education.
- Smith’s 2025 off‑field record includes fines for obscene gestures, a “nose beers” social media exchange that prompted a home visit from AFL boss Andrew Dillon, and an apology after verbally abusing a photographer.