Gun midfielder Bailey Smith has become the latest AFL star to support the COVID-19 vaccination push as the league considers making the jab mandatory for players and club staff.
Smith kicked a crucial late goal in the Western Bulldogs’ semi-final win over the Brisbane Lions on Saturday night, splitting the posts with his left-boot effort from the boundary line before turning to the crowd and pointing a finger to his left arm.
The demonstrative celebration drew immediate comparisons to NBA player D’Angelo Russell’s trademark “ice in the veins” on-court theatrics.
In a post-match interview with the Seven Network, Smith said he was inspired by Russell in an instinctive response to his shot flying through.
The 20-year-old later took to Instagram to add further meaning to the show of emotion.
Alongside an image of the goal celebration, Smith posted the caption “get vaxxed cousin” with an ice cube emoji.
Smith’s public stance came two days after AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said he expects the league to formulate a position on compulsory vaccinations for players and club staff by the end of this season.
AFL Players’ Association chief executive Paul Marsh said members have been encouraged to get vaccinated, but the players’ union’s formal stance is against making the jab mandatory across the football industry.
Geelong’s Patrick Dangerfield – who serves as the AFLPA president – and GWS captain Stephen Coniglio last month took part in a News Corp campaign to encourage people to get vaccinated.
Collingwood’s Scott Pendlebury, Richmond’s Tom Lynch and Hawthorn’s Chad Wingard have also thrown their public support behind the vaccination push.
Several clubs have reported strong vaccination rates among players and staff since their respective seasons came to a close, but none have made the jab mandatory as yet.
Richmond chief executive Brendon Gale said in the last week the AFL would have to “carefully consider” taking the issue “out of the hands” of clubs and players.
The Tigers have publicly urged their cohort of more than 100,000 members to get vaccinated.
The AFL is hopeful full crowds will return across the country at some point next year after two seasons of ongoing restrictions, but recognises high vaccination rates will be crucial for that to happen.
Rissole
Roar Rookie
Enjoy Pete. I will embracing the self-sustaining lifestyle outside the metro area.
Naughty's Headband
Roar Rookie
AZ. No worries. Been far too much media talk about vaccines; the risks for the vast majority of us are immaterial.
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
It’s hard enough trying to police mandatory masks at my work, vaccine passports are going to be a nightmare. Just like masks, 98% of people will be fine, it’s that 2% that will unnecessarily direct their anger towards us as the business when we’re only trying to enforce government rules.
Windrince
Roar Rookie
Obvious prerequisite to that is that everyone including kids can get the jab
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
I was crook for a full day after my second Pfizer. Just like a flu. Had the jab at midday was crook by 7pm. Fever, cold sweat, fatigue…etc..passed the next day and back to normal.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
I would say James people eventually won’t be allowed into pubs, cinemas, restaurants, museums without vaccination passes, along with state borders, domestic and international flights… Eventually the anti vaxxers will have to relent unless they want the life of a hermit.
Charlie Keegan
Roar Guru
AZ was nasty for me, I was crook for a day after that shot. Im getting my second in two weeks.
JamesH
Roar Guru
As the country starts to open up later this year/early next, I think we're going to see vaccinations required in order for people to be permitted to cross State borders. If that happens, I don't think it's feasible for players and staff to opt to remain unvaccinated. Either they get the vaccine or they work out some sort of hub arrangement for interstate trips. And I don't think many players will be thrilled if they have to stay in their hotel rooms for a few days just because their teammate refused the jab.
Pope Paul VII
Roar Rookie
Probably best not to mainline it though.
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Pfizer or AZ? I had a really sore left arm after my first shot of Pfizer last week, but nothing else.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Nice 5G work Chucks.
Tom
Guest
Ice in his veins? Probably not the most appropriate caption...
Charlie Keegan
Roar Guru
You get better mobile phone reception too. But in actuality everyone should get the vaccine so we can get out of these lockdowns as soon as possible (looking at you New South Wales and Victoria).
Naughty's Headband
Roar Rookie
Just get it done. I felt a bit crook for about 2 hours the afternoon after I got it and that was it, nothing else.
Gyfox
Roar Rookie
When the AFLPA would not agree to Friday night games that the AFL wanted for major TV coverage I was disappointed they wouldn't support promotion of the game. Now they won't support the health of their players & fans. Must be taken out of their hands (sic)
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Whatever the motive, it was a fantastic way to celebrate the goal and a pretty damn effective PSA! Vaccination is absolutely key, I’m super glad there’s starting to be a consensus around the league on promoting getting the jab - whether that be players posting about it or the clubs themselves promoting it.