Brownlow Medal: Big milestones revealed on the red carpet

Before bowing out of his top role, Gillon McLachlan has told the AFL Grand Final Luncheon why Meatloaf’s death brought a sigh of relief.

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Gillon McLachlan has opened up on one of his great reliefs before bowing out of his role as AFL chief executive.

It is that Meatloaf, who delivered what’s considered to be the worst pre Grand Final performance ever in 2011, is no longer with us.

“I went down the (Big Freeze) slide as Meatloaf and then Tim Watson asked ‘why are you Meatloaf?’ and I got on a bit of a roll,” McLachlan said at The Carbine Club Grand Final Luncheon at Crown.

Gillon McLachlan dressed as Meatloaf for a Big Freeze 7 at the MCG. Picture: Michael Klein

“He brought great disgrace to the game, he brought disgrace to the MCG, he brought great disgrace to the committee of the MCG, the AFL Victoria and in fact, probably brought great disgrace to all of America.

“I got down and (Andrew Dillon) was a bit ashen faced. I said, ‘what’s wrong?’.

“He said not sure that was ideal, there’s a fair chance we have a defamation issue there. He said something about my comments being observed.

“And I doubled down and nothing really happened. I must say, although his death (last year) was a real tragedy for his family and obviously him, it was a great relief to me and mine.”

Abbey’s red carpet reveal

There was a pregnancy announcement, a new couple debut and an engagement reveal on the Brownlow Medal carpet.

Channel 7 host Abbey Gelmi showed off a sparkling diamond engagement ring.

She said the details would be kept private but she and partner, former Richmond star Kane Lambert, were set to walk down the aisle.

Abbey Gelmi is engaged.

They welcomed their first child, a son Louis, six months ago.

Gelmi returned to work last weekend to present the Seven News sport and hosted the red carpet coverage alongside Emma Freedman and Dale Thomas.

She looked radiant in a pink gown by Oglia-Loro Couture and styled by Lana Wilkinson.

Different Brownlow for Buddy

Buddy and Jesinta Franklin enjoyed a different Brownlow night in the aftermath of his retirement.

Jesinta posted them cheering on Swans midfielder Errol Gulden with a glass of red wine.

She wrote: “We’re flying to Melbourne if he wins” with a laughing emoji.

Buddy was up and about cheering on his former teammate.

Cameron’s funny selfie

There was more fun Brownlow content from Jeremy Cameron.

The Geelong forward posted a selfie after snaring some votes “Could win this” but then the reality sunk in.

“Sorry forgot I’m a forward!” his next post read.

Jeremy Cameron at the Brownlow.

Patrick Dangerfield, Tom Stewart and Tom Atkins with partners at the after-party.

Cameron had a fun night with teammates including Tom Hawkins, Patrick Dangerfield, Tom Stewart and Tom Atkins. They kicked on to the Asahi Super Dry Brownlow After Party at Merrywell.

Gawn supports Petracca

Max Gawn was clear with who he was supporting to win the Brownlow.

His suit jacket was inscribed with C.Petracca 3 votes.

Max Gawn's jacket.

He was the No.1 cheerleader for his teammate who just fell short.

Gawn and wife Jessica, who is expecting their second child, were standouts on the red carpet.

Lawrence’s secret to the perfect night

Paris Lawrence said she learned from last year’s experience.

“That was my first time and I feel so much less stressed, the key is to stay at Crown the night before,” she said.

Lawrence was accompanied by partner, Tigers star Daniel Rioli, in a gown by Sydney designer Corston Couture.

Paris Lawrence poses on the red carpet. Picture: Quinn Rooney

Daniel Rioli and Paris Lawrence. Picture: Graham Denholm

“We’ve been in Sydney, kicking back there,” Rioli.

“Home on island soon and then we go back to Japan.”

Akermanis finally allowed to take daughter

Jason Akermanis could finally take his daughter Charlotte to the Brownlow now that she was officially an adult.

Jason Akermanis with his daughter Charlotte. Picture: Graham Denholm

“She’s been campaigning for five years to be here and how she’s 18,” he said.

“I do enjoy this night, it brings back great memories.”

Akermanis’ night got off to a rocky start when Charlotte tripped up on the red carpet.

The triple Lions premiership star will stay in town until the Grand Final.

“So if anyone needs me I’m here,” he said.

“I think the Lions can do it.”