Smith captioned the clip: “or brokeback mountain depends how ya look at it” and “this is what losing a granny does to ya.”
UPDATE: The Geelong Cats are facing intense scrutiny following controversial Mad Monday costumes that have drawn disapproval from the AFL. Star midfielder Bailey Smith sparked outrage with his Instagram posts showcasing his costume as Tristan Ludlow from the film “Legends of the Fall,” just hours after the Cats’ 47-point loss to the Brisbane Lions in the Grand Final on September 30, 2023.
The AFL expressed disappointment over the players’ antics, leaving the Cats to handle the backlash internally. Smith, alongside captain Patrick Dangerfield, who donned a cowboy outfit referencing the hit series “Yellowstone,” has drawn criticism, especially for a caption he posted referencing the movie “Brokeback Mountain.” Smith quipped, “this is what losing a granny does to ya,” which has been perceived as insensitive by many.
In a notable response, former West Coast defender Mitch Brown, the first AFL player to come out as bisexual, condemned the behavior. “In all seriousness though, guys do better,” he stated on Instagram. “Last time I checked, losing a grand final doesn’t make you gay, but being homophobic definitely makes you a loser.”
Smith also shared a photo of teammate Max Holmes, who dressed as veteran journalist Caroline Wilson, cheekily declaring she had “never looked better.” The AFL’s football performance boss, Greg Swann, indicated that the Cats would address the situation later today. “We have spoken to Geelong and had a chat to (chief executive) Steve Hocking. They’re actually dealing with it,” Swann confirmed.
Swann emphasized the AFL’s preference for clubs to manage player behavior, stating, “We will step in if we have to, but let the clubs deal with it.” He acknowledged that Geelong has been proactive in managing the fallout, despite challenges in contacting players. “It’s hard to find people and they’ve all disappeared,” he admitted.
The incident highlights a recurring theme in the AFL, as last year, several GWS players faced suspensions and fines for inappropriate conduct during end-of-season celebrations. The AFL hopes to see Geelong take decisive action to curb such behavior moving forward.
As details emerge, all eyes are on Geelong to see how they will respond to this controversy and what implications it may have for player conduct in the league. Stay tuned for further developments, as the situation is evolving rapidly.
