Billy Brownless targeted by social media trolls over anniversary post

Billy Brownless, one of the AFL’s most loveable characters, has found himself the target of trolls as he celebrated his romance.

Billy Brownless has found himself the target of social media trolls as the AFL icon celebrated his one year anniversary with partner Crystle Fleur.

The 198-game Geelong Cats star was soaking up the bubbling romance, but a post on social media quickly took an ugly turn.

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Fleur, 52, took to social media to gush about Brownless, 58, and hinted at what may be in store for the couple.

“Happy 1st anniversary to this amazing man!’ Fleur captioned the upload.

“365 days of love, laughter and amazing adventures as we fly off to start the biggest one yet.”

And while the post received a flood of support from friends, the nasty comments quickly began to pour in.

Crystle Fleur's tribute to Billy Brownless on their first anniversary. Picture: Instagram

The loved up couple are off on a romantic getaway to celebrate the anniversary.

One commenter wrote: “Money can buy u happiness.”

A second posted: “And I thought Bradman batted way above his average.”

A third added: “Gary Lyon somewhere lurking looking to swoop in at any given opportunity.”

Another wrote: “Punching above your weight there big man.”

Several however came to the defence of Brownless and took aim at the trolls trying to dampen the happiness of the couple.

A fed up commenter wrote: “I can’t believe some of the comments on this! People are gross, and likely just jealous of you guys (or unhappy in their own sh*tty lives). You both look very happy. Congrats on 1 year, & many more to come!”

Former AFL player Dale Thomas wrote: “Congrat guys” alongside the raising hands emoji.

Billy Brownless and Crystle Fleur celebrated one year of their romance.

Brownless and Fleur went public with their relationship in October last year at Geelong’s best and fairest night.

The then 57-year-old Cats Hall of Famer was seen arm in arm with the 52-year-old mum of three with the two being sighted at a plethora of events since.

The pair had reportedly been going strong for two months before their first public outing.

The happy couple were spotted after the AFL Grand Final speaking with his ex-wife Nicky Brownless and former best mate and Melbourne great Garry Lyon.

Billy and Crystle at his daughter Ruby's wedding. Picture: Instagram

Crystle and Billy on the red carpet at Le Mis. Credit: Sam Tabone

Brownless and Nicky were together for 18 years before splitting in 2014. In 2016 Lyon’s friendship with Brownless fell apart after he went public with Nicky.

A month after their relationship made headlines, Billy revealed how the relationship had impacted his family, saying ‘a good mate wouldn’t do that’.

“I couldn’t believe it. I found out three or four months ago. I asked Garry and Nicky earlier on what is going on and they said they were just good friends,” he said on the Footy Show at the time.

“That’s what hurts the most.”

Billy Brownless and Garry Lyon spend Christmas 2022 together with Nicky, Lucy, Ruby, Oscar and Max Brownless and Paddy McCartin and Josh Wallis. Picture: Supplied/Instagram

The former best mates have since reunited with the duo spending several Christmases together as an extended family.

Lyon surprised Nicky in December, 2023 when he proposed and she said yes.

Nicky clearly wasn’t expecting the move, announcing the news of the engagement on her Instagram account, posting a black and white photo of the pair embracing with the caption “the best surprise”.

The duo, who have been together for eight years, took off to New York shortly after the proposal.

Their relationship has blossomed despite facing a series of public scandals right from the beginning.