GEELONG star Bailey Smith has apologised to the photographer he verbally abused at Cats training on Wednesday.
Smith singled out a photographer at Cats training in a heated exchange, demanding she delete images of him receiving treatment near the boundary line.
Smith walked towards the photographer, working near the boundary line during the open training session on Wednesday, after the images were taken.
One photo was of the All-Australian flipping the bird at the camera. Smith has twice been fined by the AFL this year for raising his middle finger during games.
Bailey Smith speaks to a photographer at Geelong training on Wednesday, September 10, 2025
The 24-year-old then launched an expletive-laden tirade at long-time News Corp snapper, Alison Wynd.
The incident happened in front of journalists, photographers and camera operators on Wednesday, who were invited into the session by the club.
After walking away, Smith then turned around to direct more swear words at the photographer.
On Thursday morning, Smith texted Wynd to apologise, while CEO Steve Hocking called Wynd on Wednesday on behalf of the club.
Wynd says it was the second time this season that Smith has sworn at her during a training session.
“He said, ‘delete them, delete them’,” Wynd told News Corp.
“I said, ‘I’m not deleting them, I’m just doing my job’.
“He said, ‘well you’re a doing f***ing shit job’.
Bailey Smith speaks to a photographer at Geelong training on Wednesday, September 10, 2025
“It was a bit rattling.
“He came back at me again but I was trying to diffuse the situation by pointing the camera at the rest of training rather than engaging further with him.
“Because he came back at me the second time, I felt a bit rattled by it.”
Wynd said it was the second time Smith had sworn at her at a training sessions in recent weeks.
Wynd spoke to Geelong media officials after the incident, but said she would not lodge an official complaint and would continue to attend training sessions.
Bailey Smith speaks to a photographer at Geelong training on Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Geelong forward Shannon Neale spoke to the media after training in a scheduled press conference where he was asked about Smith’s behaviour.
Neale wasn’t aware of the incident, choosing to comment on his own strategy when dealing with the media.
“I don’t speak for anyone else here, but my own mindset is like when I come in here into this room, if I respect you guys, I get the respect back and vice versa.
“That’s the relationship you should have in the workplace.”
Geelong coach Chris Scott was fuming earlier in the season when a conversation between he and Smith at training was broadcast.
Chris Scott and Bailey Smith chat during Geelong’s training session at GMHBA Stadium on May 15, 2025. Picture: AFL Photos
Smith recently opened up about his mental health struggles in an interview, detailing how he spent four weeks in a mental health facility.
Neale said Smith had been positive for Geelong in their push for a second premiership in four seasons.
“He brings such a good energy, such a different energy,” Neale said.
“He’s really relishing the environment, the culture of the club, allowing him to be him.
“That’s the exciting thing about him is when he’s when he’s doing things that he likes … it shows on field, he’s performing really well.
