Bailey Smith dating accusations explained as internet reacts to AFL star playing the field
Geelong star Bailey Smith may just be playing the field like any single guy, but matching selfies and very public make-out sessions have people wondering if there’s more going on.
Is Bailey Smith just constantly messing with everyone? A serious investigation might be needed.
If the 25-year-old AFL star likes being in the headlines, then he’s absolutely succeeding.
This week, he has dominated headlines after suddenly becoming the centre of an awkward dating saga that unfolded on social media.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Sydney woman Tahlia Thornton posted a TikTok on Monday claiming she was dating Smith, the only concern was that he was allegedly dating other women at the same time.
Ms Thornton explained she had come across a familiar looking photo posted by another woman named Mia. The photo showed Smith — who is a Tinder brand ambassador — posing with Mia in the exact same spot and in the exact same outfit that he had been photographed in with Ms Thornton just hours earlier.
Both women are models or influencers, which could mean absolutely nothing, or could suggest they’re in on some big marketing scheme.
If this is part of some elaborate tactic to bring more attention to brands that Smith partners with, it wouldn’t be the first time he has used a dating story line to drum up discussion.
Let’s rewind. In August 2025, Smith was first spotted with Influencer and fitness entrepreneur Tammy Hembrow, kissing at a boujee Gold Coast venue.
Being spotted in broad daylight kissing at one of the Gold Coast’s most popular venues doesn’t exactly scream “serious relationship”. Or maybe they just couldn’t keep their hands off each other.
The media (The Nightly included) followed their supposed relationship, including visits between states, and, of course, “jacket gate”, which is a whole other story.
Hembrow has more than 16 million Instagram followers, and Smith is the most popular AFL player on the platform, with 423,000 followers.
Many social media users were confused by the coupling but when they both became Tinder brand partners just four months after they were first seen kissing, it cast doubt on the legitimacy of their relationship.
Were they ever really dating? It’s hard to say — maybe, maybe not.
Back to this week.
Smith has been accused of telling Sydney woman Tahlia he was “planning his future” with her, while allegedly saying similar things to “400 other girls”.
Tahlia shared screenshots of Mia’s posts, who also took photos with Smith. The location appears to be the Pacific Hotel in Manly.
The Nightly reached out to Tahlia, Mia and Smith. Mia’s agent responded, requesting payment for exclusive access to her story.
Is Tinder about to reveal this was all part of a campaign? Or, even if it’s genuine, will the brand lean into it now? It’s hard to see how this reflects a positive dating experience for the women involved, though maybe some would disagree.
The internet has largely defended Smith, especially given he doesn’t appear to be exclusive with anyone.
“What’s the issue? Basically all my single guy/girl friends have gone on multiple dates with different people. It’s called exploring options,” one TikTok user wrote.
Mia posted screenshots of Smith on Tuesday, of him supposedly texting her saying he wanted to “take her on adventures”, but was too wrecked to hang out because he’d had a “hectic day”. Ms Thornton commented: “Babes, he was busy with me, duh!”
Most reactions, particularly from women, have focused on the fact that a “good-looking” AFL star dating multiple women isn’t exactly shocking behaviour.
Smith hasn’t ignored the accusations either. In true Bailey Smith fashion, he leaned into the chaos by posting on Instagram asking for “date night recs pls”, before sharing a photoshopped image of himself at the mirror in question, this time alongside St Kilda star Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera.
One follower commented: “I think we should be talking about Nas’s 46 & 4,” referencing Wanganeen-Milera’s 46 disposals and four goals against North Melbourne.
He also shared multiple responses to his post, clearly poking fun at the situation:
“Places with no mirrors,” one person wrote. Smith replied: “Fair shout.”
“Petracca’s joint for a feed,” another suggested.
“Take her on a bender, see if she can handle it,” a friend said. Smith responded: “This is up there.”
“Pokies,” someone else joked. Smith replied: “Ah yes, the brickie’s laptop.”
Hopefully everyone involved is doing okay and not too many hearts have been broken.
Is this journalism? Am I secretly working for Tinder? No — I’d tell you (probably).
