AFL grand final: Bailey Smith forgets accreditation, rides separately to Optus Stadium for decider

Footy shorts, boots, socks, mouthguard - the checklist all organised footballers go through on the morning of game day.

But for the biggest game of his career, Western Bulldogs midfielder Bailey Smith forgot one crucial belonging.

After arriving at Optus Stadium in a separate car to his teammates who all made the journey via bus from their hotel in East Fremantle, Smith realised he’d forgotten his AFL accreditation.

While footy players are some of the most recognisable athletes in the land, all players are still required to check into playing venues around the country via a player lanyard, each possessing a unique barcode on the back.

As his teammate and captain Marcus Bontempelli reached into his backpack to fetch his accreditation, it was then Smith realised he’d forgotten, telling the security guard “I don’t have mine.”

“You’ll be fine,” the guard replies before waving Smith through.

Sometimes being one of the most talked-about footballers in the nation has its perks.

With 272,000 followers, only Dustin Martin (338,000) and Lance Franklin (334,000) have more reach in the social sphere.

Smith boasts more Instagram followers than 17 of the 18 AFL clubs — behind only Richmond.