AFL Restricts Bailey Smith from Wearing Nike Sweatband in Future Matches
The AFL has ruled that Bailey Smith cannot wear the Nike sweatband seen during his first match for Geelong due to branding regulations, although he can wear a sweatband in general.
The AFL has confirmed that Bailey Smith will be prohibited from using the Nike sweatband that he wore during his first competitive appearance for Geelong. The Cats’ star recruit impressed fans as he played in a pre-season scratch-match at GMHBA Stadium on Monday, guiding his team to a 16-point victory over the Hawks.
Turning heads in his first match since 2023, Smith was under the spotlight as he showcased his skills after missing the entirety of the 2024 season due to a knee injury he incurred while playing for the Western Bulldogs. During the match, Smith sported a white sweatband embellished with a black Nike "swoosh" badge.
According to Channel 9 journalist Tom Morris, the sweatband was accepted for the game on Monday but will not be allowed in future matches. The AFL has reiterated that Smith can wear a sweatband in the 2025 season; however, he, like all players, must adhere to the rule forbidding visible manufacturer branding on apparel, which also applies to gloves and wristbands.
The league's regulations dictate that only official club apparel is permitted beyond standard gear such as socks, shorts, jumpers, and boots. Smith has not donned sweatbands in training for years but was seen in an official Geelong cap during pre-season sessions. Previously, he had worn a red Nike sweatband while training with the Bulldogs.
In 2017, the AFL had also informed Melbourne's Jayden Hunt that his triple-coloured headband did not comply with league regulations, stating, "Headbands worn during a match must be unobtrusive and hair or club colour."
At 24 years old, Smith faces significant expectations this season as he strives to regain the form that made him a top performer in 2021 and 2022. Geelong has invested in him by trading for the No. 17 draft pick.
Furthermore, Smith is one of the most recognised players in Australian football, holding several corporate sponsorship agreements, including a lucrative contract with Geelong sponsor Cotton On and campaigning for the deodorant brand Stuff That Matters alongside NRL star Kalyn Ponga.
The Cats' next match is against Essendon in Geelong on February 25, followed by their season opener against the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba on March 6. Early reports from his competitive return suggest that Geelong fans can look forward to an exciting season with Smith on the field.
