Time On: Glamour rolls out at footy’s first red carpet awards night
Newly crowned MVP Marcus Bontempelli paid a touching tribute to his partner as footy’s glamour couples shone at the first awards night of the season.
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Bulldogs star Marcus Bontempelli paid tribute to his family and partner Neila Brenning after claiming another AFLPA MVP award on Wednesday night.
The popular midfielder spoke from the heart as the players and partners stepped out for the first red carpet event — the AFL Awards — since the home and away season finished.
“I’ll start with where it all begins and finishes and that’s with my family, the support you get from people in your corner: my folks, three sisters and their partners, and especially my partner Neila,’’ Bontempelli said.
“Through all the good things and also the challenges at times, I’m so lucky to be so well supported through thick and thin and family is one thing you can always rely on no matter what. Thank you to my family, it’s a special experience to have you all here with me.”
Other players and their partners who stood out on the night included Collingwood brothers Josh and Nick Daicos with Annalise Dalins and Arlette Jones.
Most of the glamour was in black and white with Bulldogs ruckman Tim English’s netballer partner Rudi Ellis stunning in electric blue.
Top manager hits back at Bailey critics
Leading footy manager Paul Connors has hit back at critics of Bulldogs star Bailey Smith, saying it’s tall poppy syndrome and it “drives me nuts”.
On Tuesday night commentator Jordan Lewis said on AFL360 that Smith needed to “assess all parts of his life” as speculation on his future continues.
Connors said Smith would be at the Bulldogs and defended his dedication.
“I find some of the commentary astounding,’’ Connors told the Gettable podcast.
“I was listening (to Fox Footy) and I love Jordan Lewis but pick up the phone and ring. We’re really harsh on our players, we want them to sit home on their day off and play PlayStation or have no interests whatsoever outside footy.
“For Bailey we’ve been really careful. We’ve got a wonderful partnership, not sponsorship, with Cotton On that’s been great for both. Bailey goes down regularly to Cotton On and works on the design. Why are we upset with that?
“He’s got some other sponsorship that have been good. It’s not like he’s out doing appearances at Knox Shopping Centre every second week. It absolutely drives me nuts and gets my back up.”
Connors said Smith had handled it well playing a different role.
“He knows he wants to play better,’’ he said.
“And no one works on their craft more. What are we saying, that he’s not dedicated to his footy? If you’re saying that you’ve got absolutely no idea. And if you’re saying he’s doing too much, I just don’t understand the argument. I feel like it’s a tall poppy syndrome and it just irks me.”
Connors added: “He’ll be at the Bulldogs, I feel like the more we say it the less people don’t listen. He’s been a bit tired, a bit sore, go back, refresh, reset, he’s looking forward to a big year.”
Hawks premiership reunion
The Hawthorn 2013 premiership reunion is set to take place during Grand Final week.
The big questions will be whether Alastair Clarkson, Sam Mitchell and Cyril Rioli will attend.
There’s been no love lost between Clarkson and Mitchell since the latter took over as Hawks coach, and Rioli has distanced himself after levelling serious accusations at the club.
Clarkson, now at North, was at the helm when the side won four flags — in 08, 13, 14 and 15.
It’s believed Buddy Franklin will attend and Mitchell is a yes.
Watch this space.
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