Bailey Smith surprises fans working at Melbourne pub on Thursday

Bailey Smith, a prominent player in the AFL, surprised fans by taking a shift behind the bar at a Melbourne pub during the AFL Grand Final celebrations. Dressed casually in a branded shirt and denim jeans, he engaged with patrons while promoting his drinks brand, Barry. This venture has provided him with a creative outlet during a challenging time, as he is currently recovering from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament sustained in December 2023, which has kept him out of the 2024 season. Smith expressed that working on Barry has been a blessing in disguise, allowing him to focus on something productive while rehabilitating. His drink, a Japanese-inspired mix of shochu, vodka, and soda, has gained traction in the competitive Australian celebrity alcohol market, earning him recognition with the Coles Liquor supplier award. This entrepreneurial endeavor has helped him maintain a positive outlook during his recovery. In addition to his business pursuits, Smith has been navigating personal changes, including a recent trade request from the Western Bulldogs. Following the team's elimination from the finals, he officially communicated his desire to be traded, although he has not yet specified a preferred club. The Bulldogs are now engaged in exit meetings with him to discuss the next steps. As a talented midfielder with 103 games under his belt since being drafted in 2018, Smith's potential trade is a significant topic of discussion in the AFL community, with the club aiming to ensure fair compensation for his departure.