The controversy erupts at Geelong Mad Monday
A social media flare-up from Geelong star Bailey Smith has prompted a sharp public response from Mitch Brown, who labeled the posts homophobic. Brown, who is recognized by many as the AFL’s first openly bisexual player, used his social platforms to address the matter after Geelong’s Mad Monday celebrations. The episode has reignited the debate over how players conduct themselves online and what crosses the line during team festivities.
The posts and what they showed
Smith posted a series of images and captions from the Cats’ Mad Monday function that drew attention for their humor and references. One photo depicted Smith and captain Patrick Dangerfield embracing, with Smith alluding to Brokeback Mountain in a caption. In a separate thread, Smith dressed as Brad Pitt’s character from Legends of the Fall, while Dangerfield wore a Yellowstone-style cowboy outfit. The posts clarified there was no suggestion the players were reenacting the characters from Brokeback Mountain, but the wording suggested a provocative wink that some found problematic.
One caption read, “Or brokeback mountain depends how ya look at it,” paired with the hug photo. Smith followed up with messages about putting away his phone and later that Dangerfield was confiscating his device for the rest of the day. At one point, Smith even checked with Dangerfield to confirm who he was dressed as, revealing he hadn’t seen the 1994 western drama. The row intensified when Brown posted a photo of the late Heath Ledger and quipped, “Just for the record, Heath Ledger’s way hotter.”
Brown’s response and its significance
Brown’s response carried a stronger personal voice. In a separate post, he offered a candid critique: “Last time I checked, losing a grand final doesn’t make you gay, but being homophobic definitely makes you a loser.” The remark underscored Brown’s stance: he views the social media moment as not only inappropriate but harmful, especially coming from teammates who share the same public platform. Brown’s public acknowledgment as an openly bisexual player adds a layer of visibility to the conversation, amplifying calls for accountability when post-game or post-event content veers into taunting or belittling sexual orientation.
Broader reactions and Mad Monday moments
The incident wasn’t isolated to Smith and Dangerfield. Other Mad Monday moments drew attention for their provocative choices. Footy journalist Caroline Wilson was impersonated by Max Holmes, with Smith commenting that Wilson “had never looked better.” Meanwhile, Mark Blicavs and Irish teammates Mark O’Connor and Cillian Burke arrived dressed as the controversial Irish group Kneecap, adding another layer of debate about what kinds of costumes and humor should be acceptable in a lighthearted team function. The spectrum of costumes highlighted varying opinions on satire, gender, and cultural sensitivity during such events.
What this means for Geelong and the AFL going forward
The sequence of posts and responses has spotlighted the tightrope players walk between humor and harm in the age of social media. For Geelong, the episode raises questions about guidelines, accountability, and the role of club culture in shaping how players engage online and in public. For fans and commentators, it reinforces the expectation that public figures in sport should model respect for all communities, even in celebrations that are meant to be carefree. As the AFL community processes the fallout, conversations about inclusive conduct and media responsibility are likely to continue beyond Mad Monday season.
