Brownlow red carpet a likely coronavirus casualty

In a move that’s sure to send shockwaves through the WAG community, footy’s night of nights may be missing a much loved – and loathed – component this year.

It may be football’s night of nights, but players are second fiddle on the Brownlow red carpet. Picture: Julian Smith/AAP

In what will send shockwaves through the AFL’s high-profile WAG community the Brownlow Medal as a red carpet gala and fashion extravaganza is expected to be yet another COVID-19 casualty.

While there will be a Brownlow presentation and event of some kind, the fashion and celebrity circus that surrounds it is expected to be missing because of mass gathering and social distancing restrictions.

The “gownlow”, as it is referred to, has become Australia’s second biggest celebrity red carpet event, topped only by the Logie Awards, as an occasion where dresses and fashion choices are scrutinised and talked about possibly more than the winner or winners on the night.

For some WAGS, that moment in the spotlight on the arrival media wall is the most important, and stressful, night of their year; one that they spend months preparing for with stylists, gown designers, hair and make-up artists, personal trainers, social media specialists and brand managers.

It is also a valuable evening for designers and stylists who can spin favourable coverage into further business opportunities.

Bec Judd became a household name after her Brownlow red carpet appearance in 2004.

Newly-single Nadia Bartel made an impression at last year’s Brownlow red carpet. Picture: Julian Smith/AAP

And don’t forget, a ‘Hollywood’ moment on the carpet can launch a career, with Bec Judd still the reigning high priestess of how a Brownlow moment, such as her daring red dress arrival at the 2004 medal count, can give your profile an enormous boost.

A fashion misstep however can lead to years of languishing on look back lists of disaster dressing.

“There will be a Brownlow Medal this year but as an event it will look very different to what we are used to,” a source said.

“Let’s be honest, if we are at the stage where we can have 10 people in a cafe in May it is hard to see that by October we are going to be able to have 1300 people in the Palladium at Crown.”

The AFL is yet to make a decision about the format and date of this year’s Brownlow, having only just confirmed that footy will resume on June 11.

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