Bailey Smith has opened up on spending time in a mental health facility after securing his maiden All Australian selection in his first year with Geelong.

The 24-year-old has bounced back from missing all of last season with an ACL injury to earn the honour at the AFL Awards night on Wednesday. But the physical battle was only half of it.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Powerful scenes as Bailey Smith opens up on month in psych ward.

Smith willingly put forward that he had much more to deal with last year than just rehabilitating his knee in the last year of his Western Bulldogs career.

“It was about a year ago I got out of a psych ward, I was in Epworth Camberwell for like four weeks,” he said.

“I got a couple of hours out a day, and I spent that time training and I went through a really dark time.

“I didn’t think I’d get to the other side and I’m super grateful to be here through the support of my family. “My manager Robbie (D’Orazio), been there through the shocking times.

“I know it’s just an injury but until you experience it and have a sense of identity taken away from you and go through some teething issues with moving clubs and outside noise and still trying to just grow up and rehab a knee.

“I’m super grateful to be on the other side of it and I wouldn’t change it for the world. Certainly surprised to be where I am.”

The news stunned the room, with interviewer Mark Howard assuming he had missed the detail in his research.

“I’ve never said that before, but yeah,” Smith replied with a smile.

Smith received an ovation before Howard asked if he was comfortable sharing more.

“It was hard but it was something I had to do,” he said.

“It was obviously voluntary to go in. I still see my psych today, it helps me. Initially I felt not weak but emasculated a little bit, needing to reach out for help.

“I think I just changed my mindset from if you have an injury you need to rehab it in the gym. If you have an injury mentally it’s just rehabbing and keeping on top of that. It’s just going to the gym for your (physical) fitness, I’m going for my mental fitness.

“Changing my mindset around that, the word gets thrown around a lot these days — mental health — as an excuse in some cases and it’s not a sympathy ‘poor me’ thing, it’s just more to raise awareness that you can put your hand up.

“Tough period but wouldn’t change it for the world. It always makes sense in retrospect. Just know whatever dark period you’re going through one day it’ll make sense.”

Prior to his time at Epworth Camberwell, Smith had also spent part of last year in Europe to aid his mental health and wellbeing while recovering from the ACL injury.

He was granted permission to take the overseas trip at a time the Bulldogs were still hoping to re-sign the midfielder.

Smith and the Cats enter the AFL finals as the flag favourites ahead of reigning premiers Brisbane, their opponents in a qualifying final at the MCG next Friday night.

Meanwhile, Geelong forward Jeremy Cameron joined Smith in the All Australian team — and was named captain, much to his own surprise.

If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

For further information about depression contact beyondblue on 1300 224 636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.