Source : ABC NEWS
Geelong defender Zach Guthrie has urged teammate Bailey Smith to continue playing on the edge, provided the high-profile midfielder’s on-field antics do not become a distraction for the club.
Smith has been in the spotlight since joining the Cats from the Western Bulldogs, mostly for the right reasons.
But minor indiscretions have threatened to divert his focus at times, ahead of Sunday’s match with Carlton at the MCG.
Smith has twice been fined for obscene hand gestures directed at opposition supporters this month and was also charged with misconduct for slamming a ball into Hawthorn player Jarman Impey’s head.
The 24-year-old’s individuality has been celebrated by Geelong, with coach Chris Scott among those railing against suggestions the Cats’ boom acquisition should tone it down.
“That’s his personality,” Guthrie said.
“He’s a very energetic guy and as long as his mind is still on task and he’s playing the right way and helping the team, which he’s been doing with his play out on the field, then I’m fine with it.
“Every individual’s got a different way they go about it and that’s his.
“But he’s able to perform for us and that’s the most important thing.”
Smith, who played 103 matches with the Bulldogs, spent the 2024 season on the sidelines with a knee injury before joining the Cats during last year’s trade period.
He has formed a potent partnership with fellow Geelong dasher Max Holmes.
In five appearances with the Cats, Smith is averaging career-best numbers of 29.6 disposals, 11.6 contested possessions, 5.4 clearances and 5.2 tackles per match.
“He’s been huge. He provides that run, which is really good, and he’s obviously a really good inside player as well,” Guthrie said.
“So to have that balance and him working in tandem with Max Holmes through the midfield has been great for us.
“He brings plenty of energy and I think him and Max are going to be really important players for us for many years.”
The Cats have lost Gryan Miers (concussion) and Mitch Knevitt (foot injury), and dropped Ted Clohesy, as they seek to continue a strong start to the season with a fourth straight win.
Oisin Mullin, Oliver Wiltshire and Jhye Clark have been called up.
Carlton welcomes back Harry McKay after a week out with concussion in place of Lewis Young.
After a horror 0-4 start to the season, the Blues have steadied with wins over West Coast and North Melbourne.
The Cats are provisionally fifth on the ladder as round seven continues, while the Blues are in 13th place.
AAP
