Bailey Smith apology after photo, video drama

Western Bulldogs star Bailey Smith has admitted to possessing an illicit substance late in 2021, when he says he “spiralled out of control” amid struggles with his mental health.

On Saturday morning, images surfaced of Smith holding a bag of white powder, while a video showing the 21-year-old at a party was also circulating on social media.

Smith and Bulldogs chief executive Ameet Bains confirmed the midfielder had been shown with an illicit substance but did not say whether he had taken it.

Bailey Smith is under investigation by the Western Bulldogs. Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

The Bulldogs and the AFL’s integrity unit are investigating the content and how it emerged on social media.

“I have recently been made aware of the presence of social media content that shows me with an illicit substance,” Smith said in a statement on Saturday.

“In confronting this, the temptation is to speak in vague generalities and avoid the issue. However, I am determined to learn the lessons of my past and be a better person in the future.

“After much reflection, I am now in a position to confess to indulging in behaviours in late 2021 of which I am deeply ashamed.

“I do not have an excuse for those behaviours, however the state of my mental health over that period post-grand final dramatically deteriorated, and I spiralled out of control leading to poor decision-making and actions at the time.

“All of this resulting in the leave I took from football at the commencement of pre-season training late last year.

“The depth of my emotions over that period, coupled with some of my behaviours, have reminded me that, as a person, I am still very much a work-in-progress.

“I know I have obligations beyond myself, not just contractually – but in terms of the example I set through the decisions I make, and I will be better.

“I have made mistakes. I am very aware of that, and I fully own it.

“I unreservedly apologise to my family, my teammates, my club and its sponsors, the AFL, my supporters and my sponsors.”

Smith shot to cult-hero status last year, with his hot form and trademark mullet making him one of the most recognisable players in the league.

But he has struggled with the attention at times and took a leave of absence last December to deal with personal issues.

Bains said Smith had recently dealt with “many challenges and pressures off the field” and stressed while that didn’t excuse his behaviour, the club would continue to support him.

“We are extremely disappointed to have observed social media content showing Bailey Smith with an illicit substance,” Bains said.

“This content was captured after the 2021 AFL season, while the players were on personal leave.

“We absolutely do not condone our players being involved with illicit substances and firmly believe players are well-educated on what constitutes appropriate behaviour.”

Smith is currently serving a two-match ban for headbutting Geelong’s Zach Tuohy.