WAGs reveal most memorable Brownlow moments

The Brownlow is a big night for players but eyes are also on their partners. We asked WAGs to share their most memorable moments, and some behind-the-scenes secrets.

Adam and Haylea Cooney at the 2015 Brownlow Medal presentation. Pic: Michael Klein.

The Brownlow Medal event won’t be held in Melbourne for a second year but that doesn’t mean we can’t reminisce about the prestige of days gone by.

Frocks and glamour are a key part of footy’s night of nights and the red carpet the most scrutinised of the year.

Some partners have called the experience terrifying, while others have enjoyed getting dressed up and supporting their partners.

We chatted to some of the ladies about their favourite and most memorable Brownlow moments, and a few secrets.

Anthony Koutoufides with wife Susie.

SUSIE KOUTOUFIDES (Anthony Koutoufides, Carlton)

“For me it’s all about the glamorous red carpet and how it’s evolved over the years. Even how the men started stepping it up. It’s good to see who pushed the boundaries. There was one year where Brendan Fevola sat next to me and he dropped his tooth on my lap. And me and (his wife) Alex were like what the hell! I nearly died, I didn’t realise his tooth was like that!”

Dane Swan and Taylor Wilson.

TAYLOR WILSON (Dane Swan, Collingwood)

“My favourite memory is definitely the year Dane won. I only wish I understood what was going on at the time! I was still new to the country and the game and with Dane having been the favourite the year before and not winning, I figured the same would happen that year. The guys weren’t drinking because they were in the final but I was! It was such a long, boring night that having a few beers made the time pass. I knew something was up when the cameras were surrounding our table and everyone was staring at him. It was such a surreal experience and a great year in Dane’s career.”

Tom Harley and and Felicity Harley at the 2011 Brownlow.

FELICITY HARLEY (Tom Harley, Geelong)

“My favourite Brownlow memory was the year I hosted the blue carpet special on Channel 7 circa 2011, primarily due to the fact I was on the other side of the camera and loved interviewing the partners about what their lives looked like outside football. Actually, it was also the year of uproars — the blue carpet was reduced to a third of its usual size, and Brynne Edelsten wore, well, not much. Oh, and the horrendous spinning rotisserie, which was modelled on a successful rotating circle from the Emmy Awards, on which partners stood and did a 360 — somehow all went horribly wrong.”

Jack and Charlotte Viney.

CHARLOTTE VINEY (Jack Viney, Melbourne)

“My favourite memory would have to be the 2018 Brownlow when it was the first time Sam from Oglialoro Couture created me a custom dress, styled by Elliot Garnaut. The detail and time Sam put into the dress for me to have a special moment is just incredible. It really makes me miss and look back on how amazing those events were pre-Covid.”

Former Western Bulldogs player Adam Cooney is congratulated by Haylea after winning the Brownlow.

HAYLEA COONEY (Adam Cooney, Bulldogs)

“When Adam was announced as the winner, I went to turn around to give him a big kiss and Rocket (coach Rodney Eade) had beat me to him so I almost pashed him instead! The other one is, I can laugh about now, when I got in the ‘Worst Dressed’ and I thought I looked bloody sh-t hot too so was devastated. Looking back now … it was white, shiny and looked like leather. What was I thinking!!”

Lauren and Bryce Gibbs.

LAUREN GIBBS (Bryce Gibbs, Carlton and Adelaide)

“The first Brownlow that Bryce and I attended in 2008 will always be a stand out for me. It was a really special night, Bryce polled in several games and experiencing the magnitude of the event first-hand was very exciting. I also love the behind the scenes preparation. It’s always so fun to glam up and wear a beautiful outfit.”

Sarita Holland with husband Brodie at the 2002 Brownlow Medal presentation.

SARITA HOLLAND (Brodie Holland, Collingwood)

“I think these days the Brownlow is not as fun to watch because every single girl is so polished and looks perfect. Back in my day you had to put together your own outfit, there were no amazing stylists like Lana Wilkinson so it was just a bit more interesting. People had their own personal style and you either loved or hated what they were wearing. But now every single person looks perfect and put together.”