Geelong coach Chris Scott defends Bailey Smith after ‘nose beers’ social media post

Bailey Smith took to social media after Geelong’s win over the Bulldogs, referencing illicit drug use. But Chris Scott has stood behind his star man.

Geelong coach Chris Scott has defended his superstar midfielder Bailey Smith after some controversial comments on social media.

Smith starred for his new side against his old team on Thursday night, collecting 33 touches, seven tackles and 810m gained against the Western Bulldogs.

But he took to Instagram after the win, referencing illicit drug use after a grand final victory.

One of Smith’s followers asked him whether he would have “nose beers after the game”, to which Smith responded: “na bro, after the flag maybe tho”.

Nose beers is a common expression for cocaine.

Bailey Smith's social media post after the win over the Bulldogs.

Scott appeared on ABC Sport, where he said Smith was an example of the new world of footy players becoming social media stars.

“My take on it, not just in the footy world but in society, you can’t have it both ways.

“If you are going to embrace this idea that the new world is sharing everything online and bantering and having a bit of fun, but as soon as it goes over the line we all have conniptions.

“We all like comics that are on edge, but as soon as they say something that is confronting to someone’s sensibility, we want to cancel them.

“I just think that’s a loss of perspective, and with Bailey, remember he is 23.”

Smith was brilliant against his former side. Picture: Getty Images)

“You’ve got to be careful that these things don’t drift, and drift, and drift until it becomes something uncontrollable, but I think it’s an example of keeping everything in perspective.

“It’s a balance between, certainly not condoning behaviour you prefer didn’t happen, but also keeping it in perspective as much as possible.”

Scott defended Smith’s edgy attitude, both on the field and social media.

“I would much rather guys that are a little bit edgy but are really driven and competitive, as opposed to the straighty 180s who struggle a little bit more when the heat is really on,” he said.

“I think it’s an example of that edginess.”

Originally published as Geelong coach Chris Scott defends Bailey Smith after ‘nose beers’ social media post