Geelong star Bailey Smith loved his experience in State of Origin, but admits one element of the build up “pissed him off”.
And that was those questioning whether the players would take it seriously.
Many suggested that the game could be a bit of a Mickie Mouse, NBA All-Star hit and giggle, given the AFL hasn’t played State of Origin since 1999.
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Bailey Smith speaks post match. Fox Footy
There were concerns players would go at half speed and it would turn into a bit of circle work, something that Smith clearly took issue with.
It certainly proved not to be the case. Origin was a huge success in Perth, with Victoria winning by four goals in a fiery shootout.
“I don’t know why there was all that talk. That was one thing that probably pissed us all off during the week, ‘are you going to go hard, is it the real deal’, obviously it’s the real deal,” Smith told Fox Footy in the Victorian rooms after the match.
“When you put the boots on and go out there, there’s no half-arsing it.
“I hope (Jacob Weitering) is alright. That’s footy. That’s sad to see.”
Smith said he loved the intensity of the match and always expected a tough contest on Western Australia’s home deck.
“I need a drink,” he laughed.
“It was good fun. They’re bloody good, WA. Everyone wrote them off for some reason, but home town, home crowd, it was loud, it was good fun.”
Bailey Smith of Victoria celebrates. AFL Photos via Getty Images
The Geelong midfielder admitted he was exhausted, despite playing about 70 per cent of the game, given the sheer pace of the back-and-forth, high scoring contest.
“It was just pinging back and forth. We were only supposed to play like 70 per cent game time, but it was a hard 70 per cent (with all the running),” he said.
“Besides the experience, it was actually a good run for our fitness because we haven’t played any games really yet.”
The former Bulldog said he was excited to play alongside Marcus Bontempelli once again.
“It’s good to play with Bont again. It’s a credit to him how he has led the boys,” Smith said.
“It’s been a bit of fun and hopefully we can do it again if I get the chance again because it was really fun. You break down the barriers for the first day or two, and then you take the piss for the rest of it.”
Bailey Smith, Nick Daicos, Lachie Ash and the Victorian side. Getty
Smith then dropped an F-bomb while trying to remember what chief selector Garry Lyon said to inspire them before the game.
“Ah f— I don’t know,” Smith said.
“It’s more about how we’re going to be remembered. Playing with Toby Greene for example, how he flies the flag, it was awesome. That’s how he’s going to be remembered.
“Scoreboard, we wanted to pump them, but they’re a great side and we did our best and that’s all we can ask for.”
Lyon then asked Smith if he would have a quiet night when things wrapped up in the rooms.
“Of course!” Smith joked.
“I’ll see you out there, mate.”
Seems like a decent night of celebration is coming for both teams, and fair enough too.