Bailey Smith Faces Controversy Over Odd Slamming Incident as Hawks’ Conor Nash Awaits Decision on Disgraceful Strike

Bailey Smith may need to clarify his recent actions to the match review officer after an unusual incident involving Hawthorn’s Jarman Impey.

Frustrations boiled over for the Geelong player in the second quarter when he crossed the boundary line while being pressured by Impey, subsequently throwing the ball at his opponent’s head.

This unexpected move left Impey momentarily on the ground, prompting his Hawthorn teammate Conor Nash to rush over and defend the 29-year-old.

Nash and Smith engaged in a brief tussle at the sidelines before a free kick was awarded to the Hawks for the high contact.

“Oh, a bit silly but not overly serious,” Hawks legend Jason Dunstall commented on Fox Footy. “That’s a free kick; that’s more than enough.”

Impey gradually got back to his feet and resumed play without any noticeable signs of discomfort or injury.

The extent of the potential punishment facing Smith for his actions remains uncertain; however, back in 2015, Richmond’s Alex Rance was fined $1000 for a similar incident involving Joel Selwood.

Moreover, this troubling incident wasn’t Smith’s only controversial moment. He was also seen gesturing towards the crowd as he made his way to the sidelines.

“He certainly showed the crowd a finger as he came off. He’s quite the character,” Dunstall remarked.

This incident comes just a week after Smith was slapped with a $1000 fine for a similar gesture directed at Crows fans during Geelong’s 19-point Gather Round victory.

Smith won’t be the only player anxiously awaiting the MRO’s verdict, as Nash has also been reported for a serious strike on Geelong’s Gryan Miers.

Nash’s swinging arm caught the Cats forward in a manner that left him unconscious on the ground before needing assistance from medical staff to exit the field.

“That’s a player who’s in a significant amount of trouble,” Dunstall stated.

“Swinging arms are completely unacceptable, and this has been highlighted in recent discussions,” he added.

North Melbourne legend David King indicated that this foul play could reignite debates about introducing a send-off rule.

“This incident could have major implications for the game,” King said. “Talks about red cards and similar regulations will surely resurface, especially considering that Gryan Miers has been instrumental in setting up multiple scores for the Cats. He is a crucial half-forward, particularly with the ball in hand.”