He is one of the most colourful and famous characters in the AFL, but Bailey Smith's impact in such a short period of time at Geelong can not be overstated, as the superstar prepares for his 150th AFL game on Friday night. 

With the unmissable long-flowing hair and iconic headband, Smith is comfortably one of the most recognisable figures in the game, but he certainly lets his game do the talking after firmly establishing himself as one of the competition's top players. 

In just two full seasons at Kardinia Park, the brilliant midfielder has completely transformed Geelong's on-ball division and has added a new dynamic to the Cats' style, proving incredibly difficult to stop with his elite running power. 

Still at the age of just 25, Smith is already accumulating a remarkable resume that includes two All-Australian selections, four selections in the 22Under22 team, a podium finish in the Brownlow Medal and much more. 

Now Smith is in line to reach another significant milestone, as he plays his 150th AFL game in Geelong's blockbuster Semi-Final against Fremantle at Optus Stadium. 

Smith's remarkable journey commenced at the end of 2018, when he entered the National Draft as one of the most highly-regarded prospects available, eventually being selected by the Western Bulldogs with Pick No. 7. 

He made his debut immediately in 2019 and it did not take long for the remarkable talent to shine through at the top level, with Smith earning a Rising Star nomination in Round 9, ironically coming against Geelong. 

Smith would only go from strength-to-strength from there, finishing fourth in the Rising Star award at the end of the season, also taking out the Bulldogs' Best First Year Player award. 

The 2020 COVID-affected season was difficult for most, but the emerging talent continued to grow his game and impressed many, earning his first selection in the AFLPA's 22Under22 team. 

The following year was when Smith really came into his own, progressing his running prowess and starting to feature in different positions, able to find plenty of the footy but also impacting the scoreboard. 

His biggest two-week stretch came on the biggest stage, recording 27 disposals and three goals in a Semi-Final against Brisbane, before finishing with 23 disposals and four goals against Port Adelaide the following week, leading the Bulldogs to two wins and a Grand Final berth. 

Smith's performance on-field continued to grow through 2022 and 2023, widely regarded as one of the competition's most exciting young players and quickly transitioning into a bona fide superstar. 

But it was not all smooth sailing, as the young talent tore his ACL in the pre-season and unfortunately missed the Bulldogs' entire 2024 campaign. 

After missing the year, a new chapter of his extraordinary story came calling, as Smith was traded to Geelong in a blockbuster deal. 

Receiving the famous number three on the back of his guernsey, the star on-baller made his presence known right away, collecting 32 disposals in his club debut to help the Cats open their 2025 season with a thumping win over Fremantle. 

He would go on to piece together a remarkable first season in the Hoops, one that perhaps did not garner the external attention it deserved considering the injury he had overcome in the 12 months prior. 

Smith averaged over 31 disposals, six inside 50s and six clearances per game in 2025, earning his first All-Australian selection at the end of the season and taking out the AFLCA's Champion Player of the Year award. 

He would also finish third in the Brownlow Medal, playing an instrumental role in helping Geelong to reach the Grand Final in a simply incredible debut season with the club. 

2026 proved to be just as fruitful for Smith, averaging a career-high of over 32 disposals and seven inside 50s per game, playing a mix of both inside and outside the contest to great effect. 

His consistency has been absolutely sublime, collecting 30 or more disposals in 17 of his 23 matches to this point of the year, while also gathering 40 disposals on three occasions. 

It led to Smith being recognised with a second consecutive All-Australian blazer, again expected to feature prominently on Brownlow Medal night after an outstanding campaign. 

Smith will play his 150th AFL game this Friday night, as the Cats take on Fremantle in a blockbuster Semi-Final at Optus Stadium.