Bevo backs in Bailey after ‘step-over’ taunt
LUKE Beveridge has launched a fierce defence of star midfielder Bailey Smith after criticism he mocked an opponent in an Allen Iverson-style “step-over” move.
Dermott Brereton said he hated the look of Smith mocking opponent Brad Sheppard in the Dogs’ Round 2 win over West Coast after he kicked a goal and provocatively stepped over the fallen Eagle.
It brought to mind NBA star Iverson’s disrespectful step over fallen opponent Tyronn Lue after draining a shot, with Brereton calling it the “humiliation of the vanquished”.
He also brought up Smith getting in the face of North Melbourne captain Jack Ziebell after a Dogs goal, worried those kinds of actions were taking the gloss off Smith’s brilliant game style.
But ahead of the Dogs’ clash with the Brisbane Lions in Ballarat, Beveridge backed in Smith as a fierce “Bulldog”.
“I love Derm. I do know about it. I think it’s just you can imagine Bailey’s game and the banter and the voice out there in his direction and the physical side of the game,” he said.
“A couple of instances have been highlighted in regard to ‘Baz’ and what he is doing, and I love the way Baz plays, he is such a proud player, a competitive AFL beast and he’s not going to change or step away from the confrontational side of the game. He will fly the flag for his teammates and definitely fly the flag for himself.
“Those instances are just a build-up of what has happened through the course of the game and we would expect nothing less. Deep down, he’s a very humble person.
“When he crosses that white line he’s a Bulldog.”