AFLW stars shine on the coral carpet

Players stepped out at Crown for the W Awards best and fairest, with the coral carpet dominated by pops of colour, cool sunglasses and some op shop fashion.

Pops of colour, cool sunglasses, cheek kisses, hand-holding and fun dominated the coral carpet at the W Awards on Monday night at Crown.

The AFLW’s night of nights was a showcase of eclectic, cheap and couture fashion with two stars showcasing outfits bought at the op shop.

Ruby Schleicher. Picture: Michael Klein

Ruby Schleicher and Nell Morris-Dalton. Picture: Michael Klein

Grace Egan, Sarah Hosking, Jessica Hosking and Mon Conti. Picture: Michael Klein

Grace Egan and Mon Conti. Picture: Michael Klein

Amy Franklin, Charlie Thomas, Isabella Lewis and Mikayla Western. Picture: Michael Klein

Zoe Prowse, Ebony Marinoff and Lily Tarlinton. Picture: Michael Klein

Bree Davey and her sisters. Picture: Michael Klein

Jesse Wardlaw and Zoe Dorey. Picture: Michael Klein

Ebony Marinoff. Picture: Michael Klein

Taylah Gatt, Alice O’Loughlin and Ruby Tripodi. Picture: Michael Klein

Jasmine Garner and Jenna Bruton. Picture: Michael Klein

Mon Conti. Picture: Getty

Mon Conti and Gabriella Conti. Picture: Getty

Deanna Berry and Heidi Woodley. Picture: Michael Klein

Maddy Prespakis and friend. Picture: Michael Klein

Emma Moore. Picture: Michael Klein

Tilly Lucas-Rodd and Jenna Richardson. Picture: Michael Klein

Greta Bodey and Emily Bates. Picture: Michael Klein

Izzy Huntington, Rebecca Benson, Mikayla Pauga, Kaitlyn Srhoj and Alyce Parker. Picture: Michael Klein

Adelaide Crows players. Picture: Michael Klein

Jasmine Fleming, Laura Elliott, Mattea Breed, Lucy Wales and Emily Everist. Picture: Michael Klein

Richmond’s Sarah Hosking, in red – the colour of season – said St Kilda’s Jesse Wardlaw was “the only one I reckon who had good fashion sense”.

Wardlaw got straight off the plane from Bali and stepped out in an open blazer pant suit.

“My original plans fell through, so I went to Savers op shop in Brunswick and bought this for $25,” Wardlaw said.

“It was a quick trip in and out, found what I needed.”

Hawthorn’s Kaitlyn Ashmore dialled up the glamour in a neon green Georgia Young Couture gown.

“I’m not really a bright person but I can’t say no, she’s the best at it,” Ashmore said.

“I am stoked, I said I hope other people are not just wearing black.”

Also a standout was the best and fairest favourite from Adelaide, Ebony Marinoff, in a figure hugging lavender gown by Effie Kats.

“I’ve been to these before so I know it doesn’t always go the way of the favourite but it’s great to get dressed up and I love this,” she said.

Also wearing an op shop outfit was Hawthorn captain Tilly Lucas-Rodd who also shopped online at ASOS.

North Melbourne girls stood out in rich red outfits, which they hired, while last year’s winner Monique Conti, accompanied by her sister Gabby, bought her Bec & Bridge black dress.

“My sister in law did my hair and my bestie did my make up, I love dressing up it’s fun,” she said.

The West Coast players stole the spotlight with an array of colourful gowns and also sporting sunglasses.

“Just something fun, a bit harmless and it’s to all tie us together,” said Sasha Goranova.

Collingwood’s Ruby Schleicher couldn’t remember where she got her silk sky blue gown but her teammate Nell Morris-Dalton was clearly a fan, planting a kiss on her cheek for the cameras.

“Nell is one of my best friends at the club, and we only won one game but we all really enjoyed the season which is a good thing,” Schleicher said.