Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has no issue with former ace Bailey Smith’s “cheeky” jibes towards the club he left last year.
Smith caused a stir after starring in Geelong’s thrilling win over Collingwood, taking a shot at the Bulldogs’ second home ground.
Asked about the atmosphere at the MCG, as 82,514 fans witnessed a pulsating contest on Saturday night, Smith replied: “Beautiful mate. Not getting that at Ballarat.”
Only hours earlier, the Bulldogs had demolished Port Adelaide by 90 points in front of only 4814 people at Mars Stadium.
The capacity at the Ballarat ground is currently heavily reduced by construction taking place across half of the venue.
Beveridge labelled Smith’s comments “interesting theatre”, but urged his players to leave them until they face the Cats in Geelong on May 22.
“There’s no real filter with ‘Baz’ (Smith), so you come to accept that and I don’t think it’s going to change,” the coach said.
“It’s just the way he is – and he’ll tell you ‘it’s just the way I am, I don’t have a filter’, so he doesn’t try and hide from it.
“It’s going to be interesting, if everyone keeps grabbing him (for an interview) straight after a game. I’m not sure whether Geelong are going to like that every week, but it’s just the way he rolls.”
Beveridge downplayed any tension between Smith and the Bulldogs.
After missing all of last season with a knee injury, the 24-year-old left for Geelong following 103 games since being drafted by the Bulldogs in 2018.
Smith has been open about his mental health challenges, and also served a two-game suspension in 2022 after he admitted to using an illicit substance.
Since switching clubs, the hard-running midfielder has recaptured the form that made him a matchwinning player in the 2021 finals series.
Smith is averaging a career-high 30.1 disposals and 4.9 clearances this season for Geelong.
“It’s been well reported he had some real challenges the two years before he exited our club,” Beveridge said.
“I’m just really rapt for him that he’s playing good footy.
“Ultimately, the competition’s better. Geelong are a better side with him playing like he is.
“Ultimately him moving to Geelong, it seems like it’s been a good move for him and a good move for Geelong.
“We’re going OK, so no heartache there.”
