Bailey Smith and Gemma Dawkins split after two years together

Bailey Smith, a 23-year-old star player for the Western Bulldogs, has reportedly ended his two-year relationship with Gemma Dawkins earlier this year. The couple, known for keeping their relationship private, have unfollowed each other on Instagram, signaling their split. Their last public appearance together was in February during a romantic trip to New York, and they made their public debut at the 2023 Derby Day in Melbourne. Bailey first confirmed his relationship in May 2022, sharing a light-hearted anecdote about his girlfriend's father seeing him in shirtless advertisements. Despite their low-key relationship, they were often seen together, including a loved-up display while holding hands. However, the couple's separation comes at a challenging time for Bailey, who is facing a significant injury. In December, Bailey suffered a serious knee injury during a training session, which has sidelined him for the entire 2024 AFL season. The injury was confirmed to be an anterior cruciate ligament tear, putting his football career at a critical juncture. Following the diagnosis, he expressed his disappointment on Instagram, but his friends and the Bulldogs club have shown strong support during his rehabilitation. Amidst the speculation about his future, the Bulldogs have reportedly offered Bailey a two-year contract extension, potentially keeping him with the club until 2027. This offer comes as fans and teammates rally around him, hoping for his recovery and continued presence in the team.