The AFL‘s night of nights has arrived, celebrating the season’s best and fairest. But before a single vote is read, the real ‘competition’ is already under way.
Hours ahead of the Brownlow Medal count, the black-tie carpet morphed into a runway as WAGs, players and a few brave plus-ones upped the ante with sky-high splits, blinding sequins and body-skimming gowns.
Now in its centenary year, the Brownlow is as much a fashion carnival as it is a sporting accolade.
For the uninitiated, umpires dish out votes after each game and they’re tallied at the end to crown the season’s best… unless a suspension spoils the party.
But enough fine print – on to the real spectacle (in our opinion): the hits, the risks, and the looks that had everyone talking.
Standout glamour
Easily one of the night’s standout looks, Monique Cripps (wife of the Blues’ Patrick Cripps) was flawless in a custom bedazzled black gown topped with an effortlessly chic neck scarf.
The cheeky sheer panel, a sleek bun and barely-there accessories sealed the deal on her pure, understated glamour.
Easily one of the night’s standout looks, Monique Cripps (wife of the Blues’ Patrick Cripps) was flawless in a custom bedazzled black gown topped with an effortlessly chic neck scarf
Influencer Elle Ray stunned in a plunging crimson couture gown, its sleek tailoring showing off her petite frame
Former AFL player turned host, Abbey Holmes, delivered textbook black-tie polish in a sculpted black gown, dazzling diamonds and a slicked-back ‘do – head-to-toe perfection.Meanwhile, Libby Clifford (partner of Geelong’s Connor O’Sullivan) proved less is more in a creamy off-white gown with soft ruffles and a demure slit
Further down the carpet, influencer Elle Ray stunned in a plunging crimson couture gown, its sleek tailoring showing off her petite frame.
She completed the look with a tousled up-do, understated diamond jewellery, and elegant heels.
Former AFL player turned host, Abbey Holmes, delivered textbook black-tie polish in a sculpted black gown, dazzling diamonds and a slicked-back ‘do – head-to-toe perfection.
Meanwhile, Libby Clifford (partner of Geelong’s Connor O’Sullivan) proved less is more in a creamy off-white gown with soft ruffles and a demure slit. Diamond bracelets and a petite silver clutch kept things perfectly balanced.
Ever the red-carpet pro, Rebecca Maddern oozed old-Hollywood charm in a buttery-pink gown with side-swept waves and a row of sleek buttons for a modern twist.
Speaking of pure perfection, Tiffany Mills (wife of the Swans’ Callum Mills) showcased her baby bump in a dreamy silvery-lavender gown with a soft, fluid drape and delicate shimmer. Effortless, glowing – simply gorgeous.
Breaking the traditional black-tie ‘rules’ with the midi cut, Tiana Simic (Carlton’s Charlie Curnow’s fiancée) rocked a minimalist frock, fur coat and strappy stilettos.
It was simple, chic, and undeniably cool.
Ever the red-carpet pro, Rebecca Maddern oozed old-Hollywood charm in a buttery-pink gown with side-swept waves and a row of sleek buttons for a modern twist
Speaking of pure perfection, Tiffany Mills (wife of the Swans’ Callum Mills) showcased her baby bump in a dreamy silvery-lavender gown with a soft, fluid drape and delicate shimmer. Effortless, glowing – simply gorgeous
All class, the striking blonde rocked the minimalist dress with a chic fur coat, strappy black stilettoes and lightly tousled waves. Simple, beautiful, well done.
Another winner, Natasha Germano (partner of Essendon’s Nic Martin) served playful elegance in a black gown featuring a structured neckline, subtle sparkle and cheeky sheer panels. Chef’s kiss.
As was Nikita Iskra (partner of the Crows’ Riley Thilthorpe), who glowed in her high-neck plum number with cheer lace panels and flawlessly matched accessories.
Breaking the traditional black-tie ‘rules’ with the midi cut, Tiana Simic (Carlton’s Charlie Curnow’s fiancée) rocked a minimalist frock, fur coat and strappy stilettos
Another winner, Natasha Germano (partner of Essendon’s Nic Martin) served playful elegance in a black gown featuring a structured neckline, subtle sparkle and cheeky sheer panels. Chef’s kiss
As was Nikita Iskra (partner of the Crows’ Riley Thilthorpe), who glowed in her high-neck plum number with cheer lace panels and flawlessly matched accessories
Risky business
Not every gamble paid off.
Ellie Dickinson (partner of the Suns’ Sam Flanders) went bold with a plunging chainmail-esque top and ruched tan skirt – impractical for a long carpet, but hair and makeup perfection.
She earned bonus points for keeping the latter minimal. If you’re going to go for it, let the look speak for itself right?
Never one to shy away from a daring look, the statuesque Timnah Poratt (partner of North Melbourne’s Luke Davies-Uniacke), snubbed the dress code altogether ina daring, metallic gold ensemble made from a glittering mesh fabric.
Lexi Mary (the Western Bulldogs’ Rory Lobb’s partner) dialled up the sci-fi with an iridescent holographic gown that shimmered like an oil slick – more space-age than black tie, but flawlessly styled.
Jess Butler (the Cats’ Max Holmes’ partner) flirted with a wardrobe malfunction in a powder-blue velvet number boasting a plunging neckline, thigh-high slit and draped padded straps that slightly swamped her frame.
All in all a luxurious texture, but too daring a cut.
Never one to shy away from a daring look, the statuesque Timnah Poratt (partner of North Melbourne’s Luke Davies-Uniacke), snubbed the dress code altogether in a daring, metallic gold ensemble made from a glittering mesh fabric
Ellie Dickinson (partner of the Suns’ Sam Flanders) went bold with a plunging chainmail-esque top and ruched tan skirt – impractical for a long carpet, but hair and makeup perfection
Lexi Mary (Western Bulldogs’ Rory Lobb’s partner) dialed up the sci-fi with an iridescent holographic gown that shimmered like an oil slick
Jess Butler (Cats’ Max Holmes’ partner) flirted with a wardrobe malfunction in a powder-blue velvet number.Elsewhere on the carpet, Charli Wheeler (the Suns’ Noah Anderson’s partner) doubled down on drama in a feather-trimmed creation with a dangerously deep plunge
Rosie Konstantinou and Paige Bramley (Crows partners) also joined the risque club with gowns that left little to the imagination
Elsewhere on the carpet, Charli Wheeler (the Suns’ Noah Anderson’s partner) doubled down on drama in a feather-trimmed creation with a dangerously deep plunge.
Rosie Konstantinou and Paige Bramley (Crows partners) also joined the risque club with gowns that left little to the imagination.
However, Jules Neale (wife of Lions star Lachie Neale) took the thigh-high trend to daring new heights, flashing an entire leg – toe to mid-hip – from certain angles. A seriously risky move, but to be fair, she owned every inch.
Clearly the colour of the night, cherry reds and merlot tones dominated the carpet -but not everyone nailed the brief.
A truly eye-popping move,Tippah Dwan, partner of Josh Dunkley of the Lions, donned a sculptural two-tone creation in lavender and dark navy
Jessica Gawn, wife of Max Gawn, andArdu Cubillo both opted for seriously see-through frocks. A controversial and consistent trend throughout the night
While the perfect deep emerald colour,Mardi Dangerfield’s gown had a little much going on – from the sheer mesh corset to the visible boning, lingerie-inspired bodice and stacked bangles
Dee Salmin, partner of Darcy Moore of the Magpies, went for a heavy mermaid-like creation with three-dimensional beading and some seriously intense structuring through the bodice and hips
Two such examples were Olympic swimming icon Ariarne Titmus andMeka Norton-Smith, partner of the Lions’ Levi Ashcroft.
Olympic champ Ariarne Titmus missed the mark with a plunging neckline that did little to define her waist, while the rich hue sadly dulled her usually luminous glow (maybe it was the lighting?).
Meanwhile Meka Norton-Smith (partner of the Lions’ Levi Ashcroft) went avant-garde in a sculptural, high-shine bodice that read more liquid vinyl than luxe fabric – unusual, yes, but full points for creativity?
Steffanie Waters (girlfriend of the Swans’ Isaac Heeney) was her usual radiant self in a striking emerald gown that hugged like a dream.However, the sharply structured bodice felt a touch stiff against her petite frame.
Olympic champ Ariarne Titmus missed the mark with a plunging neckline that did little to define her waist, while the rich hue sadly dulled her usually luminous glow (maybe it was the lighting?).Meanwhile Meka Norton-Smith (partner of the Lions’ Levi Ashcroft) went avant-garde in a sculptural, high-shine bodice that read more liquid vinyl than luxe fabric
Steffanie Waters (girlfriend of the Swans’ Isaac Heeney) was her usual radiant self in a striking emerald gown that hugged like a dream. However, the sharply structured bodice felt a touch stiff against her petite frame
Jules Neale (wife of Lions star Lachie Neale) took the thigh-high trend to daring new heights, flashing an entire leg – toe to mid-hip – from certain angles. A seriously risky move, but to be fair, she owned every inch
Other unique choices included Chloe Furnari (partner of Dockers’ star Caleb Serong) who paired her dramatic chocolate-brown showstopper paired with an extra-long (and seriously impractical), sweeping train
Meanwhile Isabella Cavallaro (partner of Port Adelaide’s Jason Horne-Francis) floated in wearing a gown so bridal it could’ve doubled as a wedding dress – stunning, yes, but more chapel than carpet
Hair and makeup? Absolute perfection.
Other unique choices includedChloe Furnari (partner of Dockers’ starCaleb Serong) who paired her dramatic chocolate-brown showstopper paired with an extra-long (and seriously impractical), sweeping train.
Meanwhile Isabella Cavallaro (partner of Port Adelaide’s Jason Horne-Francis) floated in wearing a gown so bridal it could’ve doubled as a wedding dress – stunning, yes, but more chapel than carpet.
The Brownlow once again proved what we all knew already: footy’s biggest night isn’t just about the vote – it’s about who dares, who dazzles and who’ll have the group chat buzzing tomorrow.
And did boy did they ever!
