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Bailey Smith Reveals Month in Psychiatric Care at AFL Awards After All-Australian Selection

He says a voluntary stay during ACL rehab helped reset his mental health.

Overview

  • The Geelong midfielder said he spent about four weeks at Epworth Camberwell last year while recovering from an ACL tear that cost him the 2024 season.
  • Speaking on stage with host Mark Howard, he noted it was his first public disclosure of the admission and received an ovation in the room.
  • Smith said the admission was voluntary, that he still sees his psychiatrist, and that he treats therapy as training for his mental fitness.
  • He linked the downturn to lost identity during rehab, outside noise, and the challenges of moving from the Western Bulldogs to Geelong.
  • In his first season with the Cats he earned a maiden All-Australian blazer after averaging roughly 31 disposals and six clearances per game.