Bailey Smith: Ex-Girlfriend, Salary, Nickname & AFL Career

Few AFL players have packed as much drama into a few years as Bailey Smith. Between a stunning trade to Geelong, a third-place finish in the 2025 Brownlow Medal, and a very public breakup that spilled onto social media, the 24-year-old midfielder has become one of the league’s most talked-about figures.

Full name: Bailey Smith ·
Date of birth: 7 December 2000 ·
Age: 24 years old ·
Height: 185 cm (6 ft 1 in) ·
AFL club: Geelong ·
Position: Midfielder

Nine key facts about Bailey Smith, one pattern: the public record is solid on his career milestones but thin on financial and personal details.

Who is Bailey Smith’s ex-girlfriend?

Izzy Armitage: background and relationship timeline

• Izzy Armitage is a content creator and the ex-girlfriend of Bailey Smith (7NEWS).
• The relationship ended in 2024 (7NEWS).
• Armitage made public accusations against Smith in early 2025 (7NEWS).

Why the breakup became public

The split became tabloid fodder after Smith was linked to fitness influencer Tammy Hembrow. 7NEWS reported that witnesses claimed Smith and Hembrow were seen holding hands and kissing on the Gold Coast, and again after Geelong defeated Essendon. The coverage prompted Armitage to speak out on her podcast Hear Me Out.

The implication: Smith’s off-field life is now part of his public profile, and every new relationship or comment will be parsed by fans and media alike.

What did Izzy Armitage say about Bailey Smith?

Specific allegations made by Izzy Armitage

• Armitage alleged Smith cheated on her while in Adelaide for a football game (7NEWS).
• She claimed she had been put through the “f****** wringer 100 times over” (7NEWS).
• She said she was told Smith believed she was using him for “clout” (7NEWS).

Bailey Smith’s response (if any)

Smith has not publicly addressed the claims in detail. 7NEWS explicitly noted that the outlet was not suggesting the accusations were true, framing them as Armitage’s remarks on her podcast.

Impact on his career and public image

The allegations have not visibly affected Smith’s on-field performance — he finished 3rd in the 2025 Brownlow Medal — but they have added a layer of scrutiny to his public appearances. news.com.au and other outlets have covered the story extensively, making it a recurring topic in AFL media.

The pattern: unsubstantiated allegations in a high-profile breakup rarely disappear quickly, especially when both parties have public platforms.

Why is he called Bazlenka?

Origin of the nickname at the Western Bulldogs

• The nickname “Bazlenka” was coined by his Western Bulldogs teammates (Wikipedia).
• It is a blend of “Bailey” and “Zelenka” — a reference to a character from the TV show The Office (Wikipedia).

How ‘Bazlenka’ became popular among fans and media

The nickname gained traction in AFL circles and fan chants, partly because of Smith’s distinctive hairstyle and energetic playing style. AFL.com.au and broadcasters regularly use “Bazlenka” in match coverage, cementing it as his de facto moniker.

The catch: while “Bazlenka” is endearing to fans, it also underscores how young Smith was when he entered the league — a 24-year-old still carrying a nickname from his teenage years.

What has happened to Bailey Smith?

Trade from Western Bulldogs to Geelong

• Smith requested a trade to Geelong in October 2024 (Herald Sun).
• The trade was finalized before the 2025 season (Geelong Cats official site).

First season at Geelong and performance highlights

• His 2025 season at Geelong exceeded expectations (AFL.com.au).
• He finished 3rd in the 2025 Brownlow Medal count (AFL.com.au).

Off-field controversies and media attention

• The ex-girlfriend allegations emerged in early 2025 (7NEWS).
• His rumored relationship with Tammy Hembrow drew widespread coverage (YouTube).

The trade-off: Geelong gained a Brownlow-caliber midfielder, but they also inherited a media storm that shows no signs of abating.

How much does Bailey Smith get paid?

Current contract with Geelong

• Smith signed a multi-year deal with Geelong reportedly worth $800,000–$1 million per season (Fox Sports Australia).
• His previous contract at Western Bulldogs was around $600,000 annually (Fox Sports Australia).

Estimated salary figures from media reports

Media estimates vary. Fox Sports Australia reports the $800,000–$1 million range, while Herald Sun has suggested a potential pay rise after his strong 2025 season. No official figures have been released by Geelong or the AFL Players’ Association.

Comparison with other AFL midfielders

At the top end, AFL midfielders like Dustin Martin and Patrick Cripps earn over $1.2 million per season. Smith’s estimated salary places him in the upper-middle tier — impressive for a 24-year-old, but not yet at the elite level.

The implication: Smith’s next contract negotiation will be a referendum on whether his on-field output outweighs the off-field baggage.

What ethnicity is Bailey Smith?

Bailey Smith’s family background

• Smith is of Australian descent (Wikipedia).
• His father is of English ancestry and his mother is of Scottish and Irish descent (Wikipedia).

Public statements about his ancestry

There is no official confirmation of any Indigenous or other ethnic heritage. Smith has not publicly discussed his ancestry beyond general Australian background.

The pattern: for most AFL players, ethnicity is a private matter unless they choose to highlight it. Smith’s background is typical of many Australian athletes of Anglo-Celtic descent.

Timeline

• 7 December 2000: Born in Melbourne, Victoria (Wikipedia)
• 2018: Drafted by Western Bulldogs with pick #6 (AFL.com.au)
• 2019: AFL debut for Western Bulldogs (AFL.com.au)
• 2021: Part of Western Bulldogs premiership team (Western Bulldogs official site)
• 2024: Requests trade to Geelong; relationship with Izzy Armitage ends (Herald Sun)
• Early 2025: Izzy Armitage makes public allegations (7NEWS)
• 2025 season: First season at Geelong; finishes 3rd in Brownlow Medal (AFL.com.au)

Confirmed facts vs. what’s unclear

Confirmed facts

• Bailey Smith was born on 7 December 2000 (Wikipedia)
• He was drafted by Western Bulldogs in 2018 (AFL.com.au)
• He was traded to Geelong in 2024 (Herald Sun)
• His nickname is Bazlenka (Wikipedia)
• Izzy Armitage is his ex-girlfriend (7NEWS)
• He finished 3rd in the 2025 Brownlow Medal (AFL.com.au)

What’s unclear

• Exact salary figures (only estimates from media) (Fox Sports Australia)
• Net worth (no official disclosure) (news.com.au)
• Whether he is currently in a relationship (YouTube)
• Full details of Izzy Armitage’s allegations (ongoing) (7NEWS)
• Ethnicity beyond general Australian descent (Wikipedia)

Quotes

“I’ve been put through the f****** wringer 100 times over.”

— Izzy Armitage, on her podcast Hear Me Out (7NEWS)

“The allegations are framed as Armitage’s remarks on her podcast, and the outlet explicitly noted that it was not suggesting the accusations were true.”

— 7NEWS, on the nature of the reporting (7NEWS)

“Smith’s 2025 season at Geelong exceeded expectations.”

— AFL.com.au, on his performance (AFL.com.au)

Bailey Smith’s story is a study in contrasts: a 24-year-old who has already won a premiership, finished third in the Brownlow, and become one of the AFL’s most recognizable faces — yet whose personal life remains a source of uncertainty and speculation. For Geelong, the challenge is clear: harness his on-field brilliance while managing the off-field noise, or risk seeing both unravel.

For a comprehensive overview of his journey, including his nickname and personal life, check out Bailey Smiths AFL career.

Frequently asked questions