The most shocking AFL Brownlow Medal moments
From WAGs on wheels and ‘that’ bejewelled G-string, to Fev’s drunken antics. We look back at the incidents we’ll never forget on footy’s night of nights.
Entertainment
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BEC TWIGLEY’S GAPING GOWN
It was the red carpet moment that changed the Brownlow, and the life of little-known model Rebecca Twigley, forever. Twigley, partner of AFL star Chris Judd, stole the night with a plunging Ruth Tarvydas dress that set the tone for timeless sexy glamour. “I really didn’t think it would grab that much attention,” Twigley said at the time. Chris recently said it was the night he and his now-wife Bec Judd became “public property ... an exclamation point between life before that, and life after.”
DRUNKEN FEV, 2009
A bad boy classic that unfolded like a slow motion car crash on live television. Fevola hosted a vox pops segment and his preparation appeared to be: Many beers. The antics included simulated sex acts, expletives, lurching between players and partners, a chicken wing on Chris Judd, and — oh, the humanity — knocking a cold beer out of Adam Cooney’s hand. But the worst was yet to come: Poor Fev had to face to wrath of wife, Alex, the morning after.
WAG-ON-A-WHEEL, 2011
Women were justifiably furious about Channel 7’s so-called fashion pod, a revolving platform to parade footy fashionistas, and slammed it as a bad taste “rotisserie.”
Sam Stynes, wife of the late, great Jim Stynes, complained: “How do the WAGs stand a chance when asked to display themselves on a giant lazy Susan?”
TANIA’S G-STRING, 2001
Nobody wants to see the words “encrusted” and “underwear” in the same sentence. Ever.
But on this occasion, Minnici showed some real cheek by swanning down the red carpet with her jewel-encrusted G-string on show.
This ahead-of-the curve fashion statement was soon emulated by Kath, Kim and Borat.
ANDREW DEMETRIOU’S STUMBLES, 2008
We get it. He’s not hosting the Oscars. But the former AFL boss got no votes for this 2009 stumble regarding Hawks star Isaac Smith.
Instead of “I Smith, one vote,” Demetriou said “I Omith.” He also named G. Ablett in the Cats team when junior was already playing for the Suns. “Can you edit that?” he pleaded.
SARITA HOLLAND DRESSED AS A SHERRIN, 2002
Wearing a real life footy dress to footy’s night of nights was an embarrassing moment for model Holland.
“The funny thing about that is I was 18 or 19 years-old and (partner) Brodie had never been invited to the Brownlow so it was a big deal,’’ she said.
“I had no idea I would be wearing that and I felt embarrassed. It was the most uncomfortable thing. But I was going to the Brownlow so I said I’ll do that, sure.
“I was nearly crying about it and even on the night feeling so ridiculous about it. I just remember thinking how can I get out of this.”
Holland wore the dress as part of an AFL Record promo.
“It just so happened that mine was by far the worst. I was like cool, I get to go to the Brownlow, how fun. I felt like I redeemed myself the next year but no one talks about that!
“As soon as I could get out of it I did.
“There are none of these fun fashion moments anymore, everyone is dressed by a stylist and looks amazing. I still can’t live it down!”
MOANA HOPE STEPS OUT WITH GIRLFRIEND, 2017
Wearing a sleek navy tuxedo AFLW player Moana Hope walked hand-in-hand with her stunning model girlfriend Isabella Carlstrom in a Con Ilio dress. It was their first official function together and the first time a same-sex couple had publicly revealed their romance on the Brownlow red carpet.
ANNIE NOLAN SHARP IN A SUIT, 2016
A WAG wore a suit for the first time and she was proud. Wearing a power suit like her husband Liam Picken, Nolan stepped out with confidence and style. She captioned the shot of the couple with the hashtag ‘Twinning’. The moment was widely applauded and celebrated on social media
ADAM COONEY PUTS A (BURGER) RING ON IT, 2008
Western Bulldog’s midfielder Adam Cooney, who won the Brownlow Medal in 2008, suddenly knew he had immunity and could use his moment at the podium to say anything.
He did, telling the crowd he proposed to partner Haylea using.... a Burger Ring. “I know she likes Burger Rings. I thought I’d slip one on her.”
GEOFFREY EDELSTEN AND HIS WIVES 2009, 2014
Brynne Gordon bounce, bounce, bounced onto the red carpet, making her deboob, alongside then-fiance Geoffrey Edelsten in a sheer black dress and diamante bra earning herself the moniker “Flash Gordon.” A year later, it was a fishtail gown and again prominent cleavage. Fast forward to 2014 and new squeeze, brash New Yorker Gabi Grecko channelled Freddy Krueger in a metal spiked metal adornment on one hand drew headlines Nightmare on Brownlow Street before making every worst-dressed list in town..
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