Haylea Cooney ‘just being me’ in risky Brownlow red carpet outfit

Haylea Cooney says she’s “never been so nervous” in her life before arriving at the Brownlow in a risky red carpet outfit.

Haylea and Adam Cooney at the Brownlow Medal on Sunday night.

Haylea Cooney has told of her relief after rocking up to the Brownlow in the most risky red carpet outfit seen in years.

The wife of former Bulldogs star Adam Cooney, who won the Medal in 2008, has revealed she attended in shorts and a blazer after failing to find a dress with four days notice.

“I have never been so nervous in my life than going to the Brownlow,’’ she said.

“Adam told me on Thursday we were going, we live in Geelong now and I was rushing around but I couldn’t find anything.

“I used to start a diet two to three months before but I couldn’t do anything this time on short notice.

“I thought I’m just going to be me.

“I did shit myself a bit given the black tie dress code and was sweating in my big chunky boots and my Country Road suit, but it was the first year I was actually comfortable. It wasn’t a disrespectful thing, it was just me being me.”

Haylea and Adam Cooney head off to the Brownlow.

Haylea Cooney in her Brownlow outfit.

The Cooneys arrived late to avoid all the waiting media and cameras — she said there was no crash dieting, no dress, no heels, no handbag … and no worries.

“I’ve had a lot of positive and funny comments,’’ she said.

Cooney said she loves what the Brownlow represents for the partners and giving the girls a time to shine.

But when she was once named on a worst-dressed list it cut deep.

“I was totally embarrassed and humiliated, I even shed a few tears,’’ she said.

“I’ve probably been to the Brownlow now about 10-12 times and had a few awkward nights.

“I do look back and wonder what I was thinking with some of the outfits but you’re worried about bad angles, you don’t want to say anything silly.

“To be on TV for young designers is a great thing and let’s face it, it is all about the girls.”