Bailey Smith, Western Bulldogs slammed over social media post

Fans have swiftly turned on Bailey Smith and hammered the Western Bulldogs over a social media post after his trade to Geelong.

Fans have reacted to Bailey Smith's move to Geelong. Photos: Instagram/News Corp

Bailey Smith finally got his wish in the dying minutes of the AFL trade period and it sparked a fierce response from Western Bulldogs fans.

The 23-year-old was among the more high-profile moves on Wednesday, joining Geelong in a blockbuster trade involving the Dogs, Cats, St Kilda and Carlton.

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After putting in a trade request, Smith said last month he “still loves” the Bulldogs, but felt he had “outgrown” the club.

It was a contentious period for the Bulldogs and their fans as Smith was once a favourite son and considered a key to future success.

To their credit, the Dogs took the high road once the trade was confirmed, publishing a photo of Smith with the words THANK YOU in huge letters, along with the caption: “A Dog becomes a Cat. All the best for the next chapter, Baz.”

Fans have reacted to Smith's move to Geelong. Photos: Instagram/News Corp

They capped it off with a blue heart, but it’s fair to say the vast majority of the club’s fans didn’t share anything like that level of sentiment for the seventh pick in the 2019 draft, who played 103 games over six seasons.

“Not a smart post Dogs. Read the bloody room,” was one reply.

“The club is not speaking on behalf of me. I don’t wish the entitled so and so anything,” wrote another.

“Not too late to delete this admin. F**k him, wish him and the cats all the worst,” came another angry response.

“Unnecessary post,” another wrote simply.

Smith sat out the entire 2024 season after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament back in January.

A Dog becomes a Cat. All the best for the next chapter, Baz 💙 pic.twitter.com/MHI4B8s3Qw

— Western Bulldogs (@westernbulldogs) October 16, 2024

While he worked on his recovery, Smith was also prolific on social media, posting regular updates of his escapades, many showing off his impressive physique.

Some of his former fans were keen to jump on that element of his behaviour over the past year.

One suggested: “I hope everyone ignores him and doesn’t boo him. He’d love the attention of a boo. He’d actually hate to be ignored and shown how little we care about him.”

Another wrote: “The tiktok tosser. Hooroo!”

A third added: “The guy posts on social media every day, you’d hope there’d be something from him towards Dogs fans and the club, but seems unlikely.”

Fans have turned on the former club favourite. Picture: Ian Currie

Smith did publish three Instagram stories on Wednesday and, as that last fan suggested, none of them thanked the Bulldogs.

The first was a selfie in the gym, followed by two identical meals of a steak, potatoes and greens.

The third and final post, which you can see below, will likely be the most galling to fans of the Doggies.

Smith reposted an image from Geelong’s official account, which captioned a photo of him in the Cats’ colours: “Can’t wait to see what Bailey can do in the Hoops.”

Smith added his own caption: “So grateful to be apart (sic) of something special … now we work.”

He finished off the post, which went live just after 10pm AEDT, with the “shushing face” emoji.

One of Smith’s countless shirtless posts on Instagram.

Smith seemed to taunt fans with this Instagram story.

Among all the vitriolic comments for the Bulldogs’ post, there were some keen to somewhat defend the midfielder or attack the Dogs’ fan base.

“This comment section is a bit much,” was one comment.

“The salt is just endless for this pathetic supporter base. Hook it into my veins,” stated another.

“The 180 flip that dogs supporters have done in he last 24 hours is hilarious. Also anyone that wishes another injury on him is a loser.”

Either way, when the 2025 AFL draw is released, we imagine Bulldogs fans will be quickly searching for the club’s first clash with Smith and those Cats.