Brodie Ryan dating Nathan Buckley but no WAG stereotype

Brodie Ryan may be dating one of the AFL’s biggest stars, but the business manager with a farming and construction background is anything but the stereotypical footy partner.

Brodie Ryan, new partner of Nathan Buckley. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Brodie Ryan may be a new AFL WAG, but she’s anything but the stereotypical footy partner.

Ryan, who works as a business manager in women’s health at Epworth, has been dating Collingwood legend Nathan Buckley for the past five months having initially met as friends at the Sorrento pub two years ago.

The pair was snapped together recently attending Melbourne Fashion Week and on Saturday attended the wedding of Pies star Steele Sidebottom and partner Alisha Edwards.

“I’m an independent woman and I’m my own person,’’ Ryan said.

Brodie Ryan, new partner of Nathan Buckley. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Brodie Ryan, new partner of Nathan Buckley. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

“We have a lot of invites but I’m no frills. If he wasn’t who he was we’d still love our time together in a chilled environment and are in our element making dinner at home. We have such a normal relationship and we intend to keep it that way.”

Ryan moved to the city from Mildura/Ouyen where she was raised on a farm and her dad worked in construction. An avid Collingwood fan, she would often holiday here with family.

She doesn’t shy away from her interest in fashion and will glam up to attend the Melbourne Cup with Buckley on Tuesday, but Ryan isn’t seeking to be in the spotlight.

“I came from a world of farming and construction,” she said.

“Fashion has always been a big passion and I was the face of the races in Mildura. Being from the country it’s very limited as to what you can do there. My dad has laughed, ‘how did you go from a drop saw to a fashion shoot’.”

Bianca Rose with Brodie Ryan. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Ryan’s close friend, fashion stylist Bianca Rose, is guiding her entry into the fashion world.

“She’s so much more than Nathan Buckley’s girlfriend,’’ said Rose, who grew up in Robinvale.

“The world has changed, you can be a successful career woman and date someone who is really influential. We can create magic but still keep her relationship private.”