That is the start and end of the issue. The AFL doesn’t care if players use recreational drugs during the off-season. If it wasn’t for the WCE and having players emerge with dependency issues, there wouldn’t even be a strike policy.
But they do care about the marketability of the sport to kids/parents. A lot. So any images of use/possession are a massive problem.
Probably Gill and his mates have a line now and then. And if not now then definitely some stuff in uni days.
Just had a read of the comments in HS. I’ve pegged Smith all wrong. Apparently he is "amazing ", “honest”, “very mature”, "shows leadership " and has “a great attitude”. I stand corrected.
Non-zero level of contrition is a very low bar to set
Ryan gets 2 years for smoking pot but this dude is mentally ill and OK. Fucken spare me. All of these stupid rules need to go, the drugs are not performance enhancing and we’re not in the Olympics.
Rioli got suspended for tampering with a sample - a ban which was enforced by ASADA, not the AFL. They aren’t comprable situations.
I honestly don’t get the blow up on Bailey Smith, he shouldn’t be photographed with it and his mates are ■■■■. That’s the story.
I work with a lot of males under 27 and…almost every single one of them is on something on the weekend, it’s as common as the beers now if you’re under 26. There’s been a huge shift in acceptance and usage amongst the younger people, not saying it’s ok, or a good look, it’s an awful look and will turn parents and kids off games but it’s happening, happening more than ever before and if you think this is an outlier or you’re the kinda bloke that doesn’t have $500 to rub together you’re simply or out of touch
What, all those parents who’ve indulged themselves over time?
Which these days is the majority.
Which won’t stop hypocritical click bait articles about the evils of drugs being written by reporters just before they get on the gear & go out themselves.
Only issue is the social media.
The rest belongs to arguments that have been going on for forty years.
So what you smoked some pot & you liked it.
Don’t blame it onya mates jamming a rocket or a pipe down ya throat!
Realistically who 
gives a ■■■■?
And the herald sun sux.
It’s everywhere.
I explained to my parents, consider how many people of your generation growing up and how accessible marijuana was. That’s what it’s like with cocaine now.
And Australia has IIRC the highest per capita use than any country in the world.
We love our beers and our nose beers.
Selfies are not being photographed by your friends. And no his acquaintances releasing it is NOT the story.
LOL
The ‘black dog of depression’ will never not be an excuse for some.
That said, he’ll get off lightly compared to Ryan, who did far far less.
Cousins
Bennell
Ryan
All got harsher penalties. Should have all claimed mental health.
Essendon done for 12months with no positive results.
Yet we see Luke Beveridge come out and say AFL should scrap illegal drug policy as it does nothing when a player claims mental health.
it is quite possible bailey smith has mental health issues AND a partying issue where he decides to snort coke at parties
it doesn’t mean the two are related. you can separate each issue
“Bevo”
I have mental health issues for not partying as much. Can a player claim mental health issues for not being invited to parties?
I read it, and I think he was taking a swipe at the AFL and the players. Not that ‘it doesn’t work’ but ‘it’s just a pisstake.’
If you claim mental health issues, no strikes, which is the price they all pay when they get busted.
I agree with him on this. The AFL’s policy on recreational drug use is not fit for purpose.
Wonder if his stance would be the same if the player in question was not a Bulldogs player.
I think the drug policy should be a lot tougher.
Not a good look for younger kids.