AFL couples who have gone the distance

It’s not easy kicking marriage goals in the world of AFL, but these solid couples have so far gone the distance.

It’s hard to make a marriage work in the AFL bubble, but the couples on this list have managed it.

Being a partner of a footballer will inevitably come with its highs and lows.

As Nanette Malthouse, wife of the game’s coaching record holder, Mick Malthouse, once said: “We are a partnership. The wives and girlfriends understand that their partner has a talent and they support that.”

Here are some of footy’s best known couples who have stood the test of time during and post career, and are still going strong.

Jo and Stephen Silvagni. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis

JO AND STEPHEN SILVAGNI

When model and Sale of the Century presenter Jo married Carlton’s fullback legend Stephen ‘SOS’ Silvagni in 1996 it captured much attention. The glamour couple have three sons, Tom, Jack and Ben. Jo presented the weather on Seven News in 2014 while Silvagni went on to have footy roles at club level. They were recently spotted by cameras at the footy watching on as son Jack played for the Blues.

Matthew and Lisa Lloyd.

Brendan and Alex Fevola.

LISA AND MATTHEW LLOYD

One of the original A-listers who used to own the Brownlow Medal red carpet, high school sweethearts Lisa and Matthew Lloyd are still going strong. Regulars in the bayside area the couple, who married in 2002, have three children, Jaeda, Kira and Jacob, with Matthew an established TV and radio personality.

ALEX AND BRENDAN FEVOLA

After marrying in 2005, separating in 2006 and divorcing in 2014, one of footy’s most recognisable couples has gone from strength to strength since rekindling their relationship in 2016. They care for four daughters, Mia, Leni, Lulu and Tobi. Alex has a flourishing business, the Runway Room, while Brendan is a breakfast radio staple on FOX FM.

Anthony and Susie Koutoufides.

Chris and Rebecca Judd.

SUSIE AND ANTHONY KOUTOUFIDES

The Carlton superstar and wife Susie married in 2002 and they have three children Jamie, Monique and Lukas. After a legendary career Kouta won Dancing With the Stars in 2006 and has never been far from the spotlight. They still make many guest lists and teenage daughter Monique is embarking on a strong modelling career.

REBECCA AND CHRIS JUDD

The ultimate AFL couple — from the red dress moment at the Brownlow to Juddchella and countless red carpets and events. They have four children, Oscar, Billie and twins Tom and Darcy, and have been likened to Melbourne’s Kardashians. Bec had a successful TV and radio career and has stepped back now to spend more time with family. Chris, a West Coast and Carlton legend, has also done the same and focuses on his finance and investment interests.

Barbara and Paul Licuria.

Renee and Corey Enright.

BARBARA AND PAUL LICURIA

When Collingwood favourite Paul Licuria married his English rose Barbara in 2008 it was the start of a true love story. The couple have three children, Saffron, Cassius and Florence, with Paul now the Magpies vice-president. They are still regulars on the social scene with Barb starting her own fashion brand called Little Dutch.

RENEE AND COREY ENRIGHT

The Geelong champion and his love married in a seaside ceremony in Port Douglas in 2011 and now they have three children, Boh, Tex and Luna. Corey is an assistant coach at the Cats while Renee is a stylist, event host and presenter who is a popular figure on Instagram and at events.

Travis and Beccy Cloke.

Kristine and Nathan Brown.

BECCY AND TRAVIS CLOKE

After a long romance the Collingwood premiership forward and his bride tied the knot on New Year’s Eve 2016 in the Yarra Valley. They have since embraced the farm life, moving to a country property with a range of animals where they are raising their two young children, Scarlett and Archer. Travis has also done some coaching at the Magpies.

KRISTINE AND NATHAN BROWN

The couple married in 2011, while Kristine was pregnant with their first child, and they now have four - Ava, Helena, Jude and Florence. The former Bulldog and Tiger has several media roles while Kristine started The Scent of Home candle range. Their ever growing love is the subject of much banter on Triple M and the Sunday Footy Show.

Jonathan and Kylie Brown.

KYLIE AND JONATHAN BROWN

The triple premiership Lion married Kylie in 2008 and they have since settled in Melbourne with their three children, Olivia, Jack and Macy. The Browns are one of our most desirable VIP guests with Jonathan forging a strong media career at Fox Footy and Nova breakfast, while beauty therapist Kylie has inspired many with her running and personal story to raise funds and awareness for endometriosis.

HAYLEA AND ADAM COONEY

The Bulldogs Brownlow medallist married Haylea in Adelaide in 2009, the year after he claimed footy’s top individual award. It was during that count when Adam memorably proposed with a burger ring — and she said yes! The fun couple have three children, Jax, Ash and Evie. Adam co-hosts Armchair Experts on Channel 7 and works in radio.

Haylea and Adam Cooney.

RACHEL AND NICK HOLLAND

The former Hawthorn forward and his former top international model wife Rachel wed in 2008. One of the most stylish and glamorous couples about town, they have two children, Adelaide and Leo. Nick has just returned to the Hawks as the new GM- Legal, Risk and Integrity, while Rachel has forged a successful career in property and business.

Nick and Rachel Holland.