WAGs in spin at 'sexist' fashion pod

WOMEN have reacted angrily to Channel 7's Brownlow Medal blue carpet broadcast on Monday night.

Sam Stynes

WOMEN have reacted angrily to Channel 7's Brownlow Medal blue carpet broadcast on Monday night.

The introduction of a "fashion pod" - a revolving platform to parade footy fashionistas - was slammed for being a bad taste "rotisserie" and likening women to yum cha.

Sam Stynes, wife of ailing Melbourne president Jim, said the broadcast had treated women like objects.

She said the gimmick had undone the good work that had been achieved to clean up the "sexist pressures WAGs have faced".

"How do the WAGs stand a chance when asked to display themselves on a giant lazy susan?" Mrs Stynes said.

"If that's the way we as a society find it acceptable to continue to position and treat women, the WAGs may as well resort to wearing gowns that reveal far too much flesh, have G-strings incorporated and boobs way out on display.

"(It) did nothing but further objectify the WAGs and undo any good work that has been achieved to clean up the sexist pressures (they) have faced."

Victorian Women's Trust policy officer Sarah Capper agreed, saying: "It reduces the partners to comparisons on a yum cha menu."

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But Channel 7 was unrepentant. "Viewers have said they wanted to see more of the outfits and that is where the fashion pod idea came from," a spokesman said. "It was an innovative way of showcasing the stunning frocks and fashion."

The network has not decided whether the pod will be part of next year's telecast.

The pod - which gave TV audiences a 360-degree view of WAG fashions - caused a Twitter storm on the night.

It was slammed by Brownlow winner Dane Swan's partner, Taylor Wilson.

"I said, 'There is no way I am getting on there'," she said. "I don't have a contract with the Brownlow to stand up and fall over."

The Brownlow Medal averaged 1.13 million viewers nationally, well up on last year's 982,000. The blue carpet pre-show, seen only in Melbourne and Brisbane, averaged 715,000.