Geelong star Bailey Smith has revealed he spent a month in a psych ward last season as he worked to return to the field and establish his spot on a new team.
A difficult 12-month recovery from an ACL injury was followed by an impressive season on debut in Cats colours for Smith, as he was named in his first-ever All-Australian team.
But the external noise and pressure that followed his name ahead of the 2025 season saw Smith take on a private battle with the support of his family and management.
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The 24-year-old candidly opened up on his struggles with his own mental health on Thursday evening and revealed he voluntarily checked himself into a mental health ward.
Smith had not publicly spoken about his time in the ward before his acceptance speech, leaving all in attendance at the AFL Awards ceremony applauding.
"It was about a year ago that I got out of the psych ward," Smith said.
"I was in Epworth Mental Health Clinic for about four weeks. I got a couple (of) hours out a day, which I spent training.
"I went through a really dark time, and I didn't think I would get to the other side.
"I'm grateful to be here with the support of my family and my manager, Robbie. They've been there through the shocking times."
Smith suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in December 2023 and did not return for the Western Bulldogs during the 2024 season.
He then secured a trade agreement with Geelong in the off-season.
"I know it is just an injury, but until you sort of experience it and have your sense of identity taken away from you and then go through some teething issues with moving clubs, outside noise, still trying to grow up and rehabbing a knee … I'm super grateful to be on the other side of it," he continued.
"I wouldn't change it for the world, but I am certainly surprised to be where I am. It was hard, but it was something that I had to do. I still see my psych because it helps me.
"I initially felt, not weak, but emasculated a little bit, needing to reach out for help. I just changed my mindset – if you have a (physical) injury, you need to rehab in the gym. If you have a mental injury, you have to rehab it."
Fox Footy's Mark Howard, who was hosting the AFL awards, congratulated Smith for being so open about his own struggles in front of such a large gathering of people.
Smith then called for the community to normalise seeking help for mental health.
"If we can normalise that (treatment for mental health), the better we can see the community become, both young men and young women," said Smith.
"The word gets thrown around a lot these days, mental health is an excuse in some cases, but it is not a sympathy 'poor me' thing. (There) is more to raise awareness that you can put your hand up and get help.
"Just always know that whatever dark period you are going through, that one day it will make sense. It's a tough period, but I wouldn't change it for the world.
"It's been pretty surreal to be where I am now – there's so much work to be done. Smell the roses while you can, but I've just got to keep going."
If you or anyone you know needs immediate support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via lifeline.org.au. In an emergency, call 000
