Western Bulldogs star Bailey Smith goes public with Gemma Dawkins

AFL star Bailey Smith has broken the hearts of countless fans after stepping out on Derby Day alongside his partner.

Bailey Smith stole the limelight on Derby Day as he stepped out for his Birdcage debut.

The Western Bulldogs star, who has become the most followed player in the AFL on social media, broke hearts as he went public with his partner Gemma Dawkins.

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As a guest of G.H Mumm the AFL heart-throb was a major hit throughout the day as fans mobbed the midfielder for pictures and selfies.

But it wasn’t just fans who wanted a piece of the chiselled Bulldogs player, TV personality Karl Stefanovic took his chance for a photo op with Smith planting one on his cheek.

Gemma and Bailey set pulses racing. (Photo by Sam Tabone/Getty Images)

Karl Stefanovic and Bailey Smith. Pic: Instagram

The VIP enclosure was a hotbed for AFL stars with premiership heroes Jordan de Goey and Josh Daicos spotted in the marquee.

But it was Smith who stole the limelight as he posed alongside countless Derby Day racegoers for happy snaps.

Bailey Smith in the Birdcage at Flemington on Derby Day 2023. Picture: Magner Media/Supplied

The day out at the races comes after Smith endured a tumultuous season that saw him left out of the Bulldogs’ stacked midfield.

As the AFL’s off-season rolled on, reports emerged the midfielder is an “80 per cent” chance of leaving the Dogs at the end of next season.

Smith’s contract expires at the end of 2024 and according to the Herald Sun’s Jon Ralph: “The chances of him moving on seem to be about 80 per cent.

“So the onus is on Smith to work his butt off to improve his kicking and on-ball craft so (coach) Luke Beveridge simply has to give him more centre bounce opportunities.

“Then he can either stay on a significant deal or explore the market at the end of 2024.

“This year his lack of impact meant Beveridge wasn’t proved wrong by pushing him to half forward.”

Smith has been linked with a move to Hawthorn and Geelong, but two other clubs including premiers Collingwood are believed to be “neck deep” in a pursuit of Smith.