Bailey Smith’s cult popularity rises as young Bulldog parties interstate

Western Bulldogs young gun Bailey Smith is predicted to be bigger than Tigers superstar Dustin Martin — and here’s the proof.

Western Bulldogs star Bailey Smith is fast becoming the AFL’s most prolific social media user with his followers surging after he set the record straight over a fake nude picture.

In just a week since the Photoshopped image began doing the rounds, over grand final weekend, Smith’s following has risen to 318,000 on Instagram, only behind Dustin Martin (338,000) and Buddy Franklin (334,000).

The 20 year-old midfielder put the original picture in his Instagram stories and was seen showing it to a group of women in a video at a Perth hotspot and taking all the attention in his stride.

Bailey Smith has won plenty of admirers.

Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and Bailey Smith.

He has been posting multiple pictures and videos of his partying in Perth bars and nightclubs and has now moved on to Queensland.

The mulleted and ripped star started the year with only 130,000 followers but after a huge season and igniting the Bulldogs in the finals against Brisbane and Port Adelaide, he has become hot property.

At the start of last month, footy commentator Kane Cornes predicted his rise.

“Move over Dustin Martin, we have a 20-year-old who is going to be the new face of the league,’’ he said.

Known as “Bazlenka” on Instagram, Smith also caught the attention of NBA All-Star D’Angelo Russell after copying his signature “ice in the veins” action.

The young gun at the 2021 Brownlow Medal Count. Picture: Dylan Burns

He appears to be close with other young Bulldogs players, including the club’s No.1 draft pick, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan.

A picture of the pair was posted of them out together in Perth.

Ugle-Hagan, 19, was also a hot topic this week after his girlfriend Mia Fevola announced their split and she thanked everyone for “all the photos and messages”.

In a subtle sign of what may have led to the break up, Mia posted a TikTok video of her miming along to the song: “The only thing that’s left to say: What a shame, baby what a shame, could have been with me instead of what’s her f---ing name”.