The best looks from AFL clubs’ best and fairest awards
AFL players and their partners took to the ruby rug to let their hair – and necklines – down as the on-field season wrapped for the year. These are our top contenders for best dressed.
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Mirror, mirror on the media wall, who’s the (best and) fairest of them all?
Forget the styled-to-the-laminated-eyebrows Brownlow, footy’s best and fairest award was where the party was at.
As the AFL season wrapped up for the year, our footy players and their partners were in after-party mode, with plunging necklines, legs eleven, bling, classic black and snatched updos displayed on the ruby rugs to celebrate their beaus and the season that was.
Geelong Football Club’s partners opted for a more conservative and classy vibe, Hawthorn and Carlton went for traditional classic black, while Collingwood were in premiership celebration mode with thigh-skinning sequins and trendy yellows on display.
There were some notable late additions from the interstate clubs, while Essendon also opted for some brights and bolds despite their disappointing season on the field.
While the likes of one-name homegrown red carpet stars like Nadia, Bec and Brit are all but gone from footy’s night of nights, a new vanguard of WAGs such as Essendon’s Alexandra Bourne, Collingwood’s Annalise Dalins and Carlton’s Natalie Docherty are stepping into their spotlight, styling up in the glam stakes.
Herald Sun’s Alice Coster and Jackie Epstein took a look at the standout themes around AFL red carpet dressing from this best and fairest season.
Back to black
From daring V-necks and classic lines, to vampy accessories paired with gloves, the black dress was back with conviction.
Top pick: Alexadra Bourne wearing timeless Rachel Gilbert
Plunging peekaboos
Cutouts have become a staple for red carpet AFL dressing, with this best and fairest season even enlarging the circumference with eye-popping results.
Top pick: Kenyah Hura in Bec Judd-esque frock
Colour blind
From splashes of statement yellows, to monochrome poppy flower red, there was no shortage of brights and bolds, with many versions of Kate Hudson’s How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. Top pick: Grace Parish in fun orange
After-party time
Many hot to trot mini dresses made their mark despite most opting for the full length gown. It was a refreshing take when styled well.
Top pick: Alex Pendlebury in gold sequins
Always classic
There are some girls who just nail it every time, think Kirsten Stanley, Emma Hawkins, Brooke Cotchin, Grace Phillips. Fashion’s in safe hands with the new breed.
Top pick: Bella Beischer in standout black
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