AFL star Bailey Smith's rumoured romance with Cartia Mallan is accused of being a 'publicity stunt'

AFL star Bailey Smith and influencer Cartia Mallan’s rumoured new romance has been branded as nothing more than a ‘publicity stunt’.

On an episode of Outspoken the Podcast on Thursday, sisters Amy, Sophie and Kate Taeuber admitted they were ‘surprised’ to see recent photos of Bailey and Cartia.

Further complicating the situation is that Western Bulldogs player Bailey, 20, was thought to be in a relationship with blonde beauty Izzy Armitage until recently.

For real? Bailey Smith and Cartia Mallan’s rumoured new romance has been branded as nothing more than a ‘publicity stunt’ 

Izzy previously shared a series of loved-up photos of herself and Bailey at her 21st birthday party on Instagram in August.

Shortly after photos emerged of Bailey with Cartia, 23, Izzy is said to have unfollowed him on Instagram, but he still follows her. 

Describing the love triangle as ‘pretty juicy’, the Taeuber sisters couldn’t help but point out the suspicious timing of their rumoured relationship.

Moving on: On an episode of Outspoken the Podcast on Thursday, sisters Amy, Sophie and Kate Taeuber admitted they were ‘surprised’ to see recent photos of the renowned AFL star with the 23-year-old influencer 

‘It made me wonder if this whole thing has been a bit of publicity stunt, because Bailey Smith is one of the most popular AFL players and it coincides with Cartia releasing her podcast,’ they said.

‘She’s obviously got to create that momentum, because people are going to listen to the first episode, but it’s really hard to get people back in for a second episode, and what better way than to tease that you’re going to be interviewing this potential new boyfriend.’

They added: ‘I actually don’t think they’re dating at all.’ 

Ex factor: Further complicating the situation is that Bailey, 20, was thought to be in a relationship with girlfriend Izzy Armitage (left) until recently

The way they were: Izzy previously shared a series of loved-up photos of herself and Bailey at her 21st birthday party on Instagram in August

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to both Bailey and Cartia for comment.  

Bailey and Cartia raised eyebrows on Tuesday after they were photographed together, sparking dating rumours.

The Australian rules footballer was recording for Cartia’s podcast, Common Chaos, which she co-hosts with fellow influencer Ashton Wood.

‘It made me wonder if this whole thing has been a bit of publicity stunt, because Bailey Smith is one of the most popular AFL players, and it coincides with Cartia releasing her podcast,’ they said on Outspoken the Podcast

They were also seen looking cosy while hanging out with a group of friends, leading to rumours their relationship was more than just platonic.

Sharing a photo of Bailey in her studio to Instagram Stories, Cartia revealed Bailey was set to feature on her podcast. 

‘Could not have had a better first guest. You guys are going to love this episode. Incredible human inside and out,’ she wrote.

‘Could not have had a better first guest. You guys are going to love this episode. Incredible human inside and out,’ Cartia said of Bailey