How new romance is keeping Billy Brownless ‘happy’

Billy Brownless may be taking things slowly but the former footy star says he’s “very happy” as he stepped out with his new partner.

Former footy star Billy Brownless has stepped out with his partner at the Australian Open, saying he’s “very happy”.

The popular Geelong great and brunette beauty Justine were relaxed and content as they sat courtside to watch the men’s quarterfinal.

The couple first met at the September Club following the 2019 grand final and began dating almost six months ago.

“Everything is going well,” Brownless said in the Emirates suite.

“Taking it one week at a time as they say. We’re very happy and it’s nice to be out.”

Justine, who works in customer relations, is a mother of two and is close friends with Erinn Montagna, wife of former Saints star Leigh Montagna, who introduced the pair.

The two couples holidayed together in Fiji in October.

Brownless and Justine made their first public outing in The Birdcage in November for TAB Champions Stakes Day.

Billy Brownless with partner Justine.

They received warm well wishes from other punters with Brownless’ two daughters Lucy and Ruby enjoying the day with their partners, Paddy McCartin and Josh Wallis.

Brownless told the Herald Sun in August that he and Justine were starting to get to know each other.

“It’s really new and a nice little friendship. We’re going all right and taking it slowly,’’ he said.

Through the season Brownless had to fend off banter about his personal life from his Triple M radio colleagues who revealed he had been seen on mystery dates.

The former Footy Show favourite has four children with ex-wife Nicky. He is still spending time between Melbourne and Geelong where he owns the Cremorne Hotel.

Also in the Emirates suite on Wednesday night were former footy star Dale Thomas, Collingwood forward Jamie Elliott, TV personalities Dr Chris Brown and Peter Helliar and Carrie Bickmore’s ex partner Chris Walker.

FRIENDS ENJOY DAY OUT AT THE TENNIS

Dermott Brereton has revealed tennis legend Pat Cash showed impressive flair as a footballer.

The good friends caught up at the Australian Open on Wednesday with Hawks champion Brereton recalling many occasions he saw the Wimbledon champion at training.

“Cashy is a lifetime mate, he used to come down to train with us in the off-season in the 80s and he’d have a kick around,’’ Brereton said.

“He was a reasonably good footballer, I could see he was a competent footballer and had a good eye as a midfielder. He scrubbed up all right on the tennis court.”

Adam Gilchrist, Dermott Brereton and Pat Cash. Picture: Fiona Hamilton

The pair were in the Emirates suite along with cricket legend Adam Gilchrist and comedians Peter Helliar and Anthony “Lehmo” Lehmann.

They watched the day’s action alongside WWE stars Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods and Big E who are in town to celebrate BINGE becoming the new streaming home for WWE Network in Australia.

“This is an iconic sporting event, the sound of summer along with Big Bash cricket,’’ Gilchrist said.

“Wrestling is my new favourite sport. I love their enthusiasm for what they do and my kids love it. These guys are fit, proper athletes.”

Lehmo and Pete Helliar. Picture: Fiona Hamilton

Helliar, who left The Project in December, said he was enjoying his break.

“It’s one of those boring things where it’s too early to say (what I’m doing) but I’m enjoying taking time off while we plot the next steps,’’ he said.

“I’ve got to trust the showbiz gods and hope there’s some lovely little surprises.”

Mia Fevola attended the day session with Piper-Heidsieck having just celebrated her 23rd birthday.

Mia Fevola in the Piper Heidseick Champagne Bar. Picture: Fiona Hamilton

Andy Lee and Rebecca Harding, plus Zac and Jordan Stenmark were guests of Polo Ralph Lauren.

Other names expected to attend this week include Jess Gomes and Josh Heuston.