Bailey Smith had been tipped as a possible absentee from Monday night’s 2026 Brownlow Medal, despite being among the favourites for the AFL’s biggest individual honour.
However, the Geelong Cats star made it to Crown Palladium just in time.
The 25-year-old arrived wearing a tracksuit and revealed on Instagram that he had only five minutes to prepare after running two and a half hours behind schedule.
‘Five mins to get ready! F**k me! Two and a half hours late, but still made it,’ Bailey wrote in a lift selfie shared with followers.
He later posted a playful picture with Australian actor Chris Pang, adding a tongue-in-cheek caption.
‘Me and my work wife,’ Bailey joked.
AFL star Bailey Smith arrived at Melbourne’s Crown on Monday night for the 2026 Brownlow Medal two and a half hours late, still dressed in a tracksuit
Bailey swiftly changed into a distinctive grey tuxedo featuring white lapels and a grey bow tie, completing the look with his signature quirky sunglasses
With his famous blonde hair on display, Bailey carried a can of his own Barry vodka mixed drink as he entered the event
Bailey soon swapped the tracksuit for a striking grey tuxedo with white lapels and a matching grey bow tie, while also wearing his much-loved statement sunglasses.
His trademark blonde locks were left loose, and he was seen sipping a can of Barry, his own vodka-based mixed drink, on his way into the ceremony.
The AFL’s most eligible bachelor also appeared to attend the night without a date, entering the venue alone.
Earlier on Monday, The Herald Sun reported that Smith could deliver a surprise no-show at the Brownlow Medal.
Speculation about his attendance was circulating among guests preparing at Crown Towers that afternoon.
The decorated footballer was reportedly still recovering from shoulder surgery performed the previous week.
Smith had already made an impression at last year’s ceremony, where he turned heads on the red carpet in a pair of distinctive ‘speed dealer’ sunglasses.
He attended that event without a date too, opting for an all-black tuxedo and bow tie as he dressed up for the occasion.
‘Five mins to get ready! F**k me! Two and a half hours late, but still made it,’ Bailey said in a social media post
After arriving, Bailey was spotted speaking with Cats senior coach Chris Scott
The AFL’s most eligible bachelor appeared to be without a date once again, making his entrance alone
Earlier this year, Bailey spoke in detail about his burning desire to become a father.
He revealed he is very keen to have children, with his passion for starting a family having an impact on him every day.
‘I weirdly wanna have kids – not now, but I think that’s what drives me a lot, is thinking about my family,’ Bailey told Channel Seven.
‘I suppose the masculine nature to want to provide and care for someone bigger than myself, and … create a family, and that’s what sort of drives me each day, weirdly.
‘I’ve always thought about it since I was 18.
‘Like, why are you thinking about kids then? That’s always driven me to be a better person and work harder.’
‘I don’t want to tell my kid to act a certain way, knowing I didn’t,’ he continued.