Bailey Smith quietly supported by girlfriend Gemma Dawkins after video scandal

After being linked to a string of attractive young women, Bailey Smith quietly stepped out with his secret girlfriend last month.

Bailey Smith’s rise to fame skyrocketed last year on the back of a lightning finals series.

He had already drawn much attention as the young speedster with the flowing mullet.

But it was after he dominated the Bulldogs’ finals triumph over Brisbane at the Gabba that he truly emerged.

His “ice in his veins” celebration after kicking a clutch goal was inspired by NBA player D’Angelo Russell’s trademark on-court theatrics, and no one could stop talking about this kid who was about to take the competition by storm.

The alarm bells about social media and his growing profile probably should have sounded after the grand final in Perth.

He was filmed showing off new tattoos in nightclubs and talking about how he’d stayed awake all night.

As his Instagram following soared he then spent time in Queensland where he hung out with two attractive brunettes, Ashton Wood and Cartia Mallan.

An image of Smith’s arm around Mallan sparked dating rumours, which she denied.

He did grow close to them though and recorded an episode for their podcast called Common Chaos.

Bailey Smith packing on the PDA with then-girlfriend Izzy Armitage.

The couple split in late 2021, after her 21st birthday.

He was dating Izzy Armitage in August last year and she shared pictures of them loved-up at her 21st birthday.

But he was single again at the end of last year and was making the most of his off-season away from lockdown in Melbourne, and as we now know he was dealing with personal issues.

During that podcast chat, he gave an insight into his struggles, admitting he had dealt with eating disorders, panic attacks and anxiety.

He also revealed how the attention was spiralling with a social media follower offering him $50,000 to sleep with them.

There was also the “nude” picture of him that was going viral on grand final day, which he was alerted to on the day.

After the Bulldogs beat Collingwood last month, he spoke about enjoying crowd interaction and how he likes to unwind.

“Elwood beach, it’s my favourite,’’ he told Channel 7.

Bailey Smith stepped out with girlfriend Gemma Dawkins in April.

The couple has flown under the radar.

“Do a bit of uni, I got a new dog, a black puppy, I got him at eight weeks. I just moved out a month ago, it’s all happening and it’s all chaotic.”

Smith also stepped out at the Grand Prix in April with his new girlfriend Gemma Dawkins, revealed by the Herald Sun last month.

The young and private couple won’t be the next socialite couple, with neither craving the spotlight or even posting pictures of each other on Instagram.

But Smith, who has become a Gen Z cult figure with his now blonde mullet and enviable six pack, still likes to have a good time.

He’s been seen many times at venues like Electric Bar on Chapel Street, where most 21-year-olds go to hang out these days.

Bulldog Bailey Smith has been caught up in a scandal. Picture: Michael Klein

His sultry Cotton On billboards are scattered around Melbourne, which have been noticed close to home.

“It’s funny. My girlfriend’s dad drives past it every day,’’ Smith told Code.

“It’s hilarious … It’s interesting but I don’t pay too much attention to it. I try not to. I just focus on my footy, because that’s what comes first, and all those other rewards with Cotton On and Monster come after that.

“As long as I keep trying to perform and work hard during the week, all those other fruits and exciting things come.”

Smith said he doesn’t open up easily because he’s scared of being judged.

With 372,000 followers on Instagram and even more attention to come, he needs all the right support he can get now.