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 life is now public knowledge. But here’s where it gets controversial: is the media crossing the line, or is Smith’s frustration simply a case of a public figure struggling with the spotlight? Let’s dive in.
The 25-year-old midfielder was recently spotted at Melbourne Airport with a woman who’s now been identified as Holly Kleverlaan, a Melburnian with ties to Perth. This isn’t their first public outing—the pair was also seen together in Manly, Sydney, just last week. But when Smith noticed a photographer capturing their return to Melbourne, his reaction was anything but subtle: he flipped the middle finger, a gesture he’s become somewhat notorious for. Remember September? He made headlines for the same reason after directing the gesture at photographer Alison Wynd during a media-approved training session in Geelong. Bold move or bad habit? You decide.
Speaking of bold moves, Smith later reached out to Wynd to express remorse for his actions. But let’s not forget, this isn’t his first high-profile romance. Last year, his relationship with fitness influencer Tammy Hembrow dominated headlines, overshadowing what many argue was his best season on the field. The pair seemed to confirm their relationship with intimate photos shared during a Melbourne date in August, but Smith quickly shut down rumors in September, calling Hembrow “just mates” on The Kyle & Jackie O Show. But here’s the kicker: he admitted to sliding into her DMs, a detail that sparked both laughter and debate. Was it a low-key move or a calculated one? We’ll let you be the judge.
Fast forward to now, and Smith appears to have moved on with Kleverlaan, who boasts nearly 9,000 Instagram followers and 7,000 TikTok fans. Her recent posts? A casual dance video in baggy track pants and a loose top, and a promo for a Melbourne makeup artist. Meanwhile, Smith is deep into pre-season training, with an upcoming appearance in the AFL’s State of Origin showdown on February 14. But the real question remains: Can a public figure ever truly keep their private life private? And if not, where do we draw the line? Share your thoughts below—this is one debate that’s far from over.
