Geelong Cats player Bailey Smith, 25, has detailed a strong desire to become a father, stating that the aspiration to start a family is a significant driving force in his life. Smith shared that this ambition influences him daily, pushing him to be a better person and work harder.
"I weirdly wanna have kids – not now, but I think that's what drives me a lot, is thinking about my family," Smith told Channel Seven. He described the masculine drive to provide and care for someone as a key motivator. "I've always thought about it since I was 18."
Smith acknowledged that his focus on fatherhood from a young age might be considered unusual, but he sees it as a tool for personal growth. "I want to work on all my issues so I can be the best father I can be," he stated. He also expressed a desire not to lecture his future children on behavior he has not modeled himself.
The AFL star, known for both his on-field performance and off-field controversies, has used the prospect of fatherhood to guide his personal development. This includes addressing past incidents, such as controversial social media posts made after the Cats' 2025 grand final loss and a verbal altercation with a photographer. The club had previously apologized for the "inappropriate" posts.
Smith also shared his perspective on fame, contending that Australia does not produce true celebrities. He described himself as a "C-list celebrity" or simply a public figure, feeling he does not possess the advantages of higher-tier fame. "I don't think there's any celebrities in Australia. You're just a public figure," he said. He added that while he is grateful for his public platform, he believes he manages his public life effectively.
Smith has played 140 AFL matches since his debut in 2019 with the Western Bulldogs. In the past year, he disclosed having spent four weeks in a psychiatric ward following an injury that jeopardized his career.
