See the social media post footy superstar Bailey Smith quickly deleted – as controversy surrounds his future in the AFL

AFL superstar Bailey Smith has set tongues wagging by quickly deleting an Instagram post where he stated ‘reminder: there’s 2 sides to every story’ along with a clown emoji.

The post – which also featured the term ‘one day’ – comes after the Western Bulldogs midfielder officially told the club he wants to be traded, with the likes of Geelong, Hawthorn and Collingwood said to be interested in securing Smith’s services next season.

Smith, who starred during the Bulldogs’ run to the 2021 grand final, was forced to sit out the entire 2024 campaign after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament at training in December.

The 23-year-old’s future has been a constant talking point, with it becoming clearer the longer the season went on that he wanted out of Whitten Oval.

As the Bulldogs began exit meetings on Monday following last Friday night’s elimination final defeat to the Hawks, the club confirmed Smith asked to be traded.

‘Western Bulldogs midfielder Bailey Smith has informed the club of his desire to seek a trade this off-season,’ a statement read on Monday.

‘The 23-year-old is yet to nominate a preferred club. 

Smith’s social media post on Tuesday also featured the term ‘one day’ (pictured, above)

Smith made his AFL debut for the Bulldogs in 2019 and quickly became a fan favourite

‘Given Bailey’s immense talent, age and proven ability to influence games, the club will work diligently to ensure it is fairly compensated throughout the process.’

Smith has played 103 AFL games since being drafted by the Bulldogs in 2018.

Experts believe he’s most likely to end up at Geelong, but if he does head to the team, controversy could be waiting for him.  

Should the Cats sign him to play under coach Chris Scott, Smith’s ambassador deal with Cotton On will be heavily scrutinised given the clothing label is also the AFL club’s major sponsor.

Veteran AFL journalist Jon Ralph questioned how potential third-party deals for Smith could play out given he has been an ambassador since 2022 and is ‘a brand himself, plus a social media influencer’.

Jay Clark, Ralph’s colleague at Fox Footy, added the AFL would ‘want to see consistency in previous earnings’ compared to what what Smith could potentially earn under new contract arrangements at Geelong.

Smith made his AFL debut for the Bulldogs in 2019 against the Swans and quickly forged a reputation as one of the competition’s elite midfielders due to his athleticism.