The Cats young gun spoke out on a sensitive topic and called for the AFL to act.

AFL fans and commentators are praising Bailey Smith after the Geelong star spoke out in a poignant call for action on Friday night. Smith helped the Cats beat the Western Bulldogs 19.17 (131) to 8.8 (56), but his thoughts were elsewhere in a post-match interview.

Speaking to Abbey Holmes for Channel 7, Smith took the time to send his well-wishes to the Dawson family and Carlton player Elijah Hollands. Crows captain Jordan Dawson lost his brother Jaryd this week, who had only recently become a new father.

Bailey Smith and Abbey Holmes.

Bailey Smith called for the AFL to act. Image: Channel 7

Hollands suffered a ‘mental health episode’ during Carlton’s loss to Collingwood on Thursday night, with the Blues and AFL investigating the circumstances that led to it and why he was allowed to play. “I just want to shout out the Dawson family this week and Elijah Hollands last night,” Smith said.

Elijah Hollands alongside Jordan Dawson and family.

Elijah Hollands suffered a mental health episode in Carlton’s loss, while Jordan Dawson lost his brother Jaryd. Image: Getty/Jordan Dawson

The Geelong star, who has been open about his own struggles with mental health issues, added his voice to calls for the AFL to introduce a special round to raise awareness. “I don’t know if I’m out of pocket saying it, but I think it’s about time the AFL get a men’s mental health round,” he said.

“It just makes me feel sick during the week and hopefully the AFL community wraps their arms around them and we can do something. That’s put a damper on the week.

“I think the footy world can be quite toxic at times and I think it is good at putting our arms around the people that need it most when we need to. So I think we do both and yeah, it’s just stuff you don’t really like seeing and if there’s something I can leave anyone with, it’s just speak to your mates, put your arm around your loved ones. You never know who might need it and I just hope we can get better moving forward.”

AFL world full of praise after Bailey Smith call

Channel 7 commentator and Richmond legend Matthew Richardson was full of praise for Smith’s comments and backed his call for a men’s mental health round. One person wrote online: “Well said Bailey Smith. Respect is what is required. Your maturity is acknowledged.”

Another commented: “Whether you like him or not. Baz said it perfectly.” While a third person added: “The AFL need to get a clear mental health policy for the players so what happened last night can never happen again. Mental illness should be treated no differently to a physical injury. Let this be lesson to learn from moving forward. Good on Bailey Smith for bringing it up.”

Source: https://au.news.yahoo.com/afl-world-showers-bailey-smith-with-praise-after-geelong-stars-move-in-post-match-interview-215435652.html