New guard set to steal the show on Brownlow night

They may not yet be regular favourites like Bec Judd and Jordan Ablett, but these fashionable wives and girlfriends are primed for a star-making night at the Brownlow Medal count. Here are the women to watch for on the red carpet.

Bec Judd and Jordan Ablett might be notable absentees from this year’s Brownlow Medal but a new guard of girlfriends and wives is set to steal the spotlight on Brownlow night.

While it’s not the first time on the red carpet for some, these women, who share their lives and loves on social media, are part of a new “Gownlow” era, where individual style will reign sartorial supreme.

Fashion watchers should keep their eyes out for what these new names are wearing on football’s night of nights.

MONIQUE FONTANA, PARTNER OF PATRICK CRIPPS

The long-term partner of Carlton co-captain Cripps isn’t afraid to take a risk on the red carpet, and has experimented with daring cut-outs in the past.

Patrick Cripps and Monique Fontana at the 2018 Brownlow. Picture: AAP

Monique Fontana at the 2016 Brownlow Medal. Picture: AAP

JULIE NEALE, WIFE OF LACHIE NEALE

Brisbane’s Lachie Neale, who is currently second favourite for the Brownlow on Sportsbet at $5 behind Patrick Dangerfield ($2.60), is already a winner after tying the knot with his girlfriend, Julie Clark, last November. Clark shone at last year’s awards night in a white strapless gown.

Julie Clark and Lachie Neale at the 2018 Brownlow Medal. Picture: Getty Images

Neale and Clark at the 2017 Bronwlow Medal. Picture: Getty Images

RACHAEL WERTHEIM, PARTNER OF BRODIE GRUNDY

Collingwood star Brodie Grundy is no stranger to style, rocking a man bun and heavy framed specs off the footy field, but on Monday all eyes will be on his physiotherapist girlfriend, who last year wore a sparkling black gown.

Brodie Grundy and Rachael Wertheim at the 2018 Brownlow Medal. Picture: Getty Images

Rachael Wertheim ahead of her first Brownlow Medal night. Picture: Tim Carrafa

SOPHIE BARBOUR, PARTNER OF CONNOR ROZEE

The partner of the Port Adelaide star is tipped to be a showstopper this Brownlow night, with the 18 year-old fashion student enlisting the services of renowned red carpet stylist Suzy Eskander. We are hoping for a Bella Hadid or Hailey Bieber influence.

HANNAH DAVIS, PARTNER OF TOM MITCHELL

Her boyfriend, Hawthorn champ Tom Mitchell, may have taken home the Brownlow Medal last year, but fashion watchers knew the real precious metal in the room was in Davis’s One Day Bridal sequin-embellished gown, with the publicist seemingly determined to ensure her night was golden.

Hannah Davis at the 2018 Brownlow Medal night. Picture: Getty Images

Hannah Davis and Olivia Burke play dress-ups ahead of this year’s Brownlow. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

CHARLOTTE VINEY, WIFE OF JACK VINEY

Some strategically placed sequins and subtle flashes of flesh ensured the then-fiancee of the Melbourne Demons captain wouldn’t be missed last year.

Charlotte Viney at the 2018 Brownlow Medal. Picture: Getty Images

Charlotte Viney said it ‘took an army’ to style her. Picture: AAP

OLIVIA BURKE, PARTNER OF TOM LYNCH

The partner of Tigers star Tom Lynch, Olivia Burke, who works in marketing, says she is less nervous about walking the red carpet this year than she was her first time when the couple had been dating for just six weeks.

RHIANNON JOYCE, PARTNER OF JAEGER O’MEARA

A regular on the Melbourne social scene, the long-term partner of the Hawks star is often sighted with fellow WAGS Jordan Ablett, Dani Shreeve and Hannah Davis.

Rhiannon Joyce and Dani Shreeve ahead of spring racing. Picture: Sarah Matray

Rhiannon Joyce and Jaeger O’Meara at the Portsea Polo. Picture: Ian Currie