Brownlow medal night lifts footy fever as players and partners step out to celebrate

THE glitz and glamour of the Brownlow lifted footy fever to another level in Grand Final week, as the AFL players and partners stepped out for footy's big night.

Gary Ablett

THE glitz and glamour of Brownlow medal night has lifted footy fever to another level in Grand Final week.

AFL players and their partners stepped out on the red carpet then sat back for football's big night at Crown.

More than 1200 guests attended the exclusive black-tie ceremony but millions more tuned in to watch proceedings in loungerooms, bars and clubs Australia-wide and beyond.

Ablett wins Brownlow medal

Brownlow Confidential: the goss and the glam

Before the count had even begun and the votes had arrived at Crown under armed security, punters were lining up to back their pick for the medal based on form, favouritism or value.

Gary Ablett

By 6pm TAB alone was holding more than $1 million in Brownlow betting but expected that figure to be dwarfed.

The favourite to take home the prestigous medal was Gold Coast superstar Gary Ablett, closely followed by Geelong captain Joel Selwood.

Controversial Richmond figure Dustin Martin surprisingly appeared on the red carpet, choosing to take teammate Aaron Edwards as his date.

Bevy of beauties rock the red carpet

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As usual, wives and girlfriends stole the show early with a bevy of beauties frocking up in bright and bold colours for the “gownlow” before Brownlow formalities got under way.

Brownlow Red Carpet

Rebecca Judd, the pregnant wife of Carlton star Chris Judd, turned heads by wearing red for the first time since stealing the show in “that dress” when her partner won the 2004 Brownlow.

Despite the spectacle, dual Brownlow winner Robert Harvey said he preferred not to go to the ceremony any more and left it to “the young wave” of players to shine while he watched it on TV with his wife.

“It's a big night now isn't it?” he said.

“All the girls obviously like getting dressed up and it's a huge event these days.”

But he said the allure of attending the gala ceremony had dissipated since he hung up his boots as a St Kilda champion.

Brownlow

“It's exciting if you're in the running but if you're not it can be a drab old night,” he said.

“I haven't been for a number of years now.”

With the Brownlow decided for another year, the Grand Final countdown continues for players and fans alike.

Hawthorn full back Brian Lake said he felt “surreal” to be playing in his first Grand final on Saturday after watching last year's at a barbecue with friends and crossing clubs from the Western Bulldogs.

“The plan has gone to script so far ... the perfect script would finish off with a premiership,” he said.

Brownlow