'Pick your battles': Bailey Smith gives it back to rival fans in Geelong's mammoth 101-point win
Geelong star Bailey Smith found himself in the crosshairs of supporters on two separate occasions as his side recorded a mammoth win over North Melbourne.
Smith was in top form against the Kangaroos, finishing with a game-high 43 disposals as the Cats ran away with a 101-49 win at Marvel Stadium.
The 24-year-old is enjoying a strong first season in new colours after his off-season move from the Western Bulldogs - and in more ways than one.
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The gun midfielder was spotted exchanging words with North fans during the game, leaving Dermott Brereton questioning whether the antics were necessary.
Bailey Smith fires back at a North Melbourne fan Fox Footy
"Why does he bother talking to them? I love the theatre, but pick your battles - you're not gonna win that," he said on Fox Footy.
Collingwood great Nathan Buckley admitted that Smith had become a 'polarising' figure but the "workrate and energy" brought to the field was a huge bonus.
"He's found his own footy and enjoying it," Buckley said.
"[Fans] had a chat to him and he wanted to have a chat back, saying 'G'day, we'll catch up after. Where are you going for a beer? Yeah, we'll catch up'.
[He] polarises some, doesn't he? But what he needs to do is continue to bring that workrate and energy to his team and for his club and for his football."
Bailey Smith during his side's win over North Melbourne. AFL Photos via Getty Images
Smith wasn't the only star on Saturday night either.
Jeremy Cameron booted 11 goals, while the defensive efforts from Shaun Mannagh and Tom Atkins was ruthless with eight tackles apiece.
Geelong's performance sees them keep their spot in the AFL top-four heading into the business-end of the season, with Port Adelaide their next assignment.
