Bailey Smith would've been excused if he threw a jab at former club Western Bulldogs after claiming bragging rights during Thursday's stirring 14-point win.
But the highly popular star of the AFL remained humble and gracious in victory, even though a lot of the Round 11 reunion was made about him, despite Mitch Duncan celebrating his 300th match.
For weeks leading into the much-anticipated clash between the Cats and the Dogs, much was made about the way Smith departed the Whitten Oval, and the supposed distaste from his former side.
The 24-year-old ignited the fire when making a jab at an empty Mars Stadium in Ballarat, whilst subsequently defeating Collingwood in front of 82,000 fans on the MCG. Marcus Bontempelli returned serve, and the narrative went viral.
Smith, who openly admitted he wouldn't have played Thursday unless it was against the Bulldogs following a shin issue off a five-day break, fittingly produced one of his best performances in the blue and white hoops.
And after a highly emotional game, the multi-faceted Brownlow Medal contender remained composed and considerate of his former club and new teammates.
"Yeah (it worked out okay), but equally, you got to cop it if you lose, so I was prepared for both," Smith said in a post-match interview with Channel 7.
"I am privileged to compete, as corny as that sounds, but it's always good to face off against these lads.
"Yeah, I'd be lying to say I didn't (feel the pressure).
"It's more sort of excitement. I did my meditation each day. I tried to be in the present as much as I can, and worry about what I got to do today, not too much in the future.
"They didn't go after me."
Bailey Smith shares what it was like facing his former side.#AFLCatsDogs pic.twitter.com/6KydVcMpVa
โ AFL (@AFL) May 22, 2025
"I certainly did s*** myself for this game, but it was almost reverse psychology (from the Bulldogs) in not giving me much attention. It was good, they didn't go after me."
Smith's incredible form to start his new life in Geelong colours has been overshadowed by his contentious antics, which included flipping the bird on multiple occasions and shoving a ball into Hawthorn defender Jarman Impey's head.
The subsequent media responses have also thrown the AFL world into a tizz.
But the other side of the former Pick 7, who encourages breaking stereotypes and advocating for mental health awareness, is helping smash through barriers and redefining masculinity, in the hope of fostering meaningful change in society.
Following a wretched 12 months that were condemned by an ACL injury, Smith's move to Geelong has been a breath of fresh air, which he says he is incredibly "grateful" for.
"I'm just so grateful to be welcomed with open arms after a s*** year last year," Smith continued.
"I'm just grateful and just trying to repay them as best as I can, and outwork everyone we come up against.
"But that's the beauty of the club, they let you be yourself, and don't make you try and conform to something that you're not, like I have in previous years.
"I just want to shout out Mitch Duncan, his 300th. I think a lot of the spotlight was on me, which is pretty unfair for him; he's such a great player, and I just want to give him his credit where it's due."
Smith has rocketed into equal favouritism in the Brownlow Medal, alongside Collingwood star Nick Daicos.
His stats scream off the page, and at just age 24, there is no ceiling in what this guy can achieve, especially in 2025.
