Collingwood star Dane Swan declines invite to the 2014 Brownlow Medal at Crown

COLLINGWOOD star Dane Swan is giving the Brownlow Medal a miss this year, meaning his partner will have to shelve her “knockout frock”. Here’s why.

Brownlow Red Carpet, Dane Swan and Taylor Wilson,

COLLINGWOOD star Dane Swan is giving the Brownlow Medal a miss this year.

Swan, the 2011 Brownlow Medalist, is invited each year as a past winner but has declined the invitation to attend Monday night at Crown.

Taylor Wilson, partner of Swan, said the couple decided not to go as Swan is not in contention, but they would be back stronger next year.

The premiership midfielder battled a foot injury through the season and had a disappointing year by his lofty standards.

Wilson was due to wear a gown by designer Helen Manuell, who is also dressing a number of other WAGs.

“I’m devastated to not be dressing Taylor four years running,” Manuell said. “I’ve made a knockout frock but it won’t go to waste.”

Dane Swan and Taylor Wilson pose on the Brownlow red carpet last year. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Medal winner Dane Swan and girlfriend Taylor Wilson on the blue carpet in 2011. Picture: News Corp

The winning moment in 2011. Picture: News Corp

Dane Swan gets congratulated by next years coach Nathan Buckley. Picture: News Corp

The gorgeous pair arrive at the awards in 2010. Picture: News Corp

Jimmy Bartel, the 2007 Brownlow winner, declined an invitation in 2012 after he was suspended during the season.

The AFL has said attendance is at the discretion of the player.

Among the Collingwood players who will be there are captain Scott Pendlebury, Travis Cloke and Jamie Elliott.

Another absentee on the red carpet this year will be Brooke Cotchin, wife of Richmond captain Trent Cotchin, who is due to give birth any day to the couple’s first child.

Cotchin is believed to be taking a teammate instead.

Originally published as Collingwood star Dane Swan declines invite to the 2014 Brownlow Medal at Crown