Bailey Smith is once again making waves, but this time it’s not just his on-field prowess that’s turning heads—it’s his love life. And this is the part most people miss: the Geelong star is less than thrilled that his private moments are becoming public spectacle. Spotted at Melbourne Airport on Sunday, Smith was accompanied by the same woman he was seen with during a date in Manly, Sydney’s Northern Beaches, just last week. Media outlets have since identified her as Holly Kleverlaan, a Melbourne-based woman with ties to Perth. But here’s where it gets controversial: Smith’s reaction to being photographed was anything but subtle. Frustrated by the intrusion, he was captured flipping the middle finger at the camera—a gesture he’s become somewhat notorious for. Remember when he made headlines in September for doing the same to photographer Alison Wynd during a media-approved training session in Geelong? Is this a pattern, or just a moment of frustration?
Smith later apologized to Wynd, but this latest incident raises questions about his relationship with the media and his approach to handling public scrutiny. Meanwhile, his personal life has been a magnet for attention, often overshadowing his stellar performance on the field. Last year, his romance with fitness influencer Tammy Hembrow sent fans into a frenzy after they were spotted together on the Gold Coast. The pair seemed to confirm their relationship with intimate photos shared during a Melbourne date in August, but Smith quickly shut down the rumors in September, labeling Hembrow as “just mates” on The Kyle & Jackie O Show. But here’s the twist: he admitted to sliding into her DMs, sparking debates about modern dating dynamics. Is this a harmless flirtation or a strategic move?
Now, it appears Smith has moved on, with Kleverlaan taking center stage. With nearly 9,000 Instagram followers and 7,000 on TikTok, she’s no stranger to the spotlight. Her recent posts—dancing in casual attire on TikTok and promoting a Melbourne makeup artist on Instagram—show she’s comfortable in front of the camera. Meanwhile, Smith is deep into pre-season training, with his upcoming appearance in the AFL’s State of Origin showdown between Victoria and Western Australia on February 14 already generating buzz. But the real question remains: Can Smith balance his high-profile career with a private life that seems increasingly public? What’s your take? Let us know in the comments—do you think Smith’s reactions are justified, or is he crossing a line? And how much privacy should public figures expect in today’s digital age?
