Nadia Bartel’s big return to the spotlight

Her recent public split won’t stop Nadia Bartel getting back to work, and she’s ready to take on her new role at the Brownlow. Here’s what the mum and influencer hopes to bring to the high-profile event.

2019 Brownlow Medal host Abbey Gelmi and Nadia Bartel. Picture: David Cook.

Nadia Bartel plans to champion AFL wives and girlfriends when she returns to the spotlight as Channel 7’s red carpet reporter at the Brownlow Medal.

“I’m not going to stop working, I’m passionate about what I do,” Bartel said today.

“It’s such a big event in Melbourne across sport and fashion, and I’m looking forward to getting back into it.”

Nadia, who recently split from former AFL star Jimmy Bartel, will helm red carpet interviews alongside Campbell Brown, with Abbey Gelmi and Josh Gibson co-hosting proceedings on the ruby rug.

“I’ve got such great relationships with people in the football community and I’m feeling comfortable that I’m going to be surrounded by friends on the night,” Nadia said.

Campbell Brown, Abbey Gelmi, Nadia Bartel and Josh Gibson will co-host Channel 7's red carpet coverage of the Brownlow Medal.

Bartel and Seven Sport presenter Gelmi plan to champion and encourage player’s partners on the night.

“We need to be mindful that some of the girls are not usually in this situation. They’re there supporting their partner, and we all need to be kind,” Gelmi said. “In today’s day and age, social media can be quite brutal.

“We want to put out the message as a broadcast team, that we’re here to celebrate, and this is a warm and happy environment. That must echo through.

“Everyone wants to look their best, feel their best and have a nice night.”

Bartel says she will be the voice of empathy and shoulder of support at the ceremony.

“I’ve felt what they’re feeling,” Bartel said. “When I first started attending the Brownlow, I was always nervous to be interviewed. But (former red carpet hosts) Felicity Harley and Rachael Finch made me feel so supported.

“We need to remember most of the women are mums,” Bartel said. “Not everyone has a stylist, it’s expensive to buy a dress and go out. It’s their one big night to support their partner.”

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Brown, a former Hawks and Suns legend, laughed: “I’ve been to more Brownlows since I’ve finished footy than when I played. I was never invited because I was always suspended.”

Former Hawks champion Gibson said, as a player, he liked to elude red carpet interviews at the Brownlow.

“I like the sneaky lizard,” Gibson said, laughing. “I feel, after you take away the award side of the Brownlow, the red carpet is all about the women. The boys need to take a step back because it’s their partner’s night of nights.”

Channel 7’s Brownlow red carpet coverage will screen from 7.30pm on September 23.