'Loss of perspective': Geelong Cats coach Chris Scott defends Bailey Smith over bizarre social media reply

Geelong Cats coach Chris Scott has jumped to the defence of Bailey Smith after the midfielder made a bizarre comment about the use of recreational drugs on social media.

Smith returned for the Cats to face former club the Western Bulldogs on Thursday, where he made 33 disposals, six clearances and seven tackles in the Cats' 14-point win.

While the highly-anticipated encounter was less drama-filled than many expected, the 24-year-old star found himself back in the centre of controversy post-match.

READ MORE: 'Bite the bullet': Calls intensify for Manly Turbo switch

READ MORE: Ange delivers another epic quote at Spurs parade

READ MORE: 'Burnt mentally': Demon reveals battle ahead of French Open

Smith's on-field actions saw him slapped with a $1500 fine for careless conduct as he collided with the umpire when the final siren sounded.

The former Bulldog assisted the umpire back to his feet immediately after the incident.

However, the act was not the issue Scott was asked to comment on.

Attention post-match turned to a comment on Smith's Instagram asking if he would have "nose beers" following the win, to which he replied: "Na bro, after the flag maybe tho."

Scott was informed of his player's comment by the club's media managers, however, jumped to the defence of Smith's off-field actions.

The 49-year-old recognised that while the comment was not ideal for Smith or the club, he called for critics to understand the player perspective in such situations.

"Our media manager did pass that on to me so I am aware of it," he told ABC Sport.

"My take on it, not just in the footy world but in society, you can't have it both ways.

"If you are going to embrace this idea that the new world is sharing everything online and bantering and having a bit of fun, but as soon as it goes over the line we all have conniptions.

"We all like comics that are on edge, but as soon as they say something that is confronting to someone's sensibility, we want to cancel them.

"I just think that's a loss of perspective, and with Bailey, remember he is 24.

"You've got to be careful that these things don't drift, and drift, and drift until it becomes something uncontrollable, but I think it's an example of keeping everything in perspective."

Scott admitted that he does not engage with social media outlets, although understands that his players "cop so much abuse" and are further criticised if they "hit back".

Still, the star coach did not want this situation to prevent his team from not feeling comfortable to express their individuality with their supporters.

"It's a balance between, certainly not condoning behaviour you prefer didn't happen, but also keeping it in perspective as much as possible," he said.

"We do encourage people to be themselves and embrace their individuality, but obviously they just need to be aware that that fits within a framework of doing the right thing by their teammates and the club.

"I'm rarely aware of who is doing media or even what they've said. I don't have an interest in engaging in that social media environment. That really narrows my role with Bailey down to the footy stuff.

"Naturally that will morph into slightly different areas... but to be frank, he is an extrovert that is a hard worker.

"I'd much rather have guys that are a little it edgy but driven and competitive as opposed to the straighty 180s who struggle a little bit more when the heat is really on."