Geelong senior coach Chris Scott has called out the AFL media team which broadcast audio of a conversation between himself and Bailey Smith that took place during Geelong's training session.
Smith could be seen tapping his hamstring and said to Scott: "This isn't even hammy, I felt it Friday and during the game."
The clip fuelled speculation regarding the health status of the Cats superstar recruit, with some outlets fearing he could miss this weekend's clash with Port Adelaide at GMHBA Stadium.
Scott expressed his frustrations with the 'disrespectful' incident during a press conference on Saturday.
"Bailey is [all good to play]. If the [AFL] keep broadcasting that stuff, we won't let them in because it was so misleading the way that was reported. It was just not true," Scott said.
"Now, I don't really care personally but it's annoying for other people who have to answer the question.
"The [AFL media arm] got it wrong. My understanding is that when they're here, they are not recording audio of me speaking. I consider that a blatant intrusion to be honest.
"If you didn't tell me about it, or if our media guys didn't tell me about it, I wouldn't be aware of it, but for the supporters, to mislead them into thinking that Bailey is likely not playing or might be under some doubt because of a hamstring is not the right thing to do."
Geelong's unorthodox methods of providing injury updates have been a point of discussion this season, with the club making a number of late changes before the first bounce this season. Smith has headlined those changes, being pulled out of three fixtures this season less than 24 hours before the initial siren.
Scott continues to refute the demand for more clarity on the status of his players but ultimately provided the full context of the leaked conversation.
"You obviously say, why don't you come out and clarify? Because we'd be clarifying 500 questions every single week," Scott said.
"For the purpose of this exercise, the question was around what exactly was he going to do at training, given he had a bit of a tight groin. So, extrapolation to a hamstring was wrong.
"If that happens again, then I won't go out there until the cameras are gone. You've been invited in, treat it with some respect."
Bailey Smith is widely recognised as one of the game's most popular and polarising players, having the highest number of followers of any AFL player on social media. Scott understands his draw card, but hopes in future the line will not be crossed.
"I get the obsession with him; I'm a bit obsessed with him as well. It's hard not to be," Scott said.
"It's not as if we're really protective of him. I would understand you guys getting a bit more annoyed if we really did shield him from the media. From my part, I want him out there, I think he's a good news story for our footy club. Supporters love him, he's an interesting guy.
"But it steps over the line when you imply that there's an issue that doesn't exist."
Bailey Smith and the Cats will run out on to the turf of GMHBA Stadium tomorrow, looking to defeat Port Adelaide for the second time this season. The first bounce is at 3:15pm (AEST).
