Geelong superstar and AFL poster boy Bailey Smith is poised to be unleashed in the blockbuster AFL Origin showcase, with the dynamic midfielder set to be named to play for Victoria against Western Australia in Perth next week.
Star Power Added to Stacked Victorian Line-Up
The 25-year-old Smith is expected to be confirmed in Victoria's final squad for the Optus Stadium showdown in the coming days, adding even more celebrity appeal and on-field brilliance to an already formidable team. Victoria's stacked line-up already features marquee names such as Marcus Bontempelli, Nick Daicos, and Max Gawn, making Smith's inclusion a significant boost.
Western Australia's team, meanwhile, boasts its own arsenal of talent, including captain Patrick Cripps, key defender Tom Barrass, and Fremantle duo Shai Bolton and Luke Jackson. This sets the stage for a thrilling contest between two powerhouse state teams.
Smith's Transcendent Appeal and High-Profile Persona
Bailey Smith's attraction extends far beyond the AFL, solidifying his status as one of Australian sport's hottest commodities. With over 400,000 followers on Instagram, Smith commands a massive social media presence and has secured lucrative endorsements from major brands like Cotton On, Monster Energy, and Nude By Nature. His recent feature in an advertisement for the dating app Tinder further underscores his crossover appeal and marketability.
Should Smith be selected, it will mark a notable reunion with his former Western Bulldogs skipper, Marcus Bontempelli, for the first time since Smith's high-profile move to Geelong at the end of the 2024 season.
A History of Headlines and Fanfare in Perth
Smith carries immense fanfare with him whenever he plays in Perth, a city that has witnessed his star power firsthand. He was the central attraction in the build-up to the 2021 AFL Grand Final, which was held at Optus Stadium due to COVID-19 restrictions, and again last season when he faced West Coast with his Geelong side.
Off the field, Smith is no stranger to controversy and headlines. Last year, he faced criticism for abusing a photographer during an open training session at Geelong and made waves by wearing a pair of striking silver sunglasses to the Brownlow Medal ceremony, even posing for a photo with AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon while sporting them. His brief relationship with Australian influencer Tammy Hembrow also captured public attention and media speculation.
Fan Engagement and State Rivalry Intensify
In exciting news for Western Australian footy fans, it was confirmed on Sunday that they will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with their favourite players, including Smith, at an opening training session on the eve of the match. Additionally, details for a Footy Festival to be hosted around Optus Stadium next Friday and Saturday have been locked in, promising a weekend of entertainment and activities.
Channel 7 will broadcast a special 90-minute countdown show next Thursday, building anticipation for the marquee event. The state rivalry has also been fuelled by WA Premier Roger Cook, who threw down the gauntlet to Victorian counterpart Jacinta Allen by placing a beer bet on the outcome of the match.
Western Australia Bolsters Squad with Key Addition
Meanwhile, Western Australia has strengthened its squad with the addition of West Coast gun forward Jake Waterman. This move adds further firepower to their attacking line and carries sentimental value, as Waterman's father, Chris—a former Eagles great—captained WA the last time the state played a State of Origin match back in 1998.
As the AFL Origin clash approaches, all eyes will be on Bailey Smith and his potential impact, highlighting the event as a must-watch spectacle that blends elite sport with high-profile celebrity in a celebration of Australian rules football.
