This was published 4 years ago
It wasn't your average Brownlow, but that didn't stop the glamour
Pared-back perfection ... Bella Beischer at the Brownlow function in Brisbane.Credit: Getty Images
Normally one of the country's biggest fashion nights of the year, the Brownlow, like many aspects of life this year, took on a more improvised feel on Sunday. But COVID-19 restrictions and last-minute invitations didn't stop the partners of some of the league's most fancied medal hopes from bringing a touch of glamour to the end of what has been a truly historic season.
While officially the dress code called for "cocktail/lounge suit" – is there a more confusing term in event dressing? – the resulting fashions ranged from sport-luxe to Hollywood glamour, largely depending on geography.
With the AFL decamped across the country, instead of taking place at Melbourne's Crown, the Brownlow comprised satellite functions at seven sites around the country.
In Melbourne, where partners were not allowed to attend due to restrictions against social gatherings, masks in team colours and digital thermometers were the must-have accessories of the night. The only dress in the room belonged to Channel Seven co-host Jacqui Felgate, the first woman to host the medal count in its history.
Gabba glamour ... Julie Neale in One Day Bridal.Credit: Getty Images
Nevertheless, Melbourne was well represented at other sites around the country as some Victorian-based players attended functions in other cities. Charlotte Viney, wife of Melbourne's Jack Viney, was among the women representing the "nude" dress trend, in a one-shouldered gown by Oglia-Loro.
Other notable nudes included Julie Neale, wife of Lion Lachie Neale, whose One Day Bridal dress arrived in Brisbane only on Friday after a customs hold-up. Proving the Brownlow doesn't necessarily mean a dress, Emily Halverson, partner of Brisbane's Harris Andrews, put a different spin on neutrals in a sheer gold pussy-bow blouse and black high-waisted pants.
In general, Brisbane was a more formal affair than all the other cities bar Perth, where black-tie glamour also ruled.
One of the best looks of the night was the white cut-out Effie Kats dress worn by Bella Beischer, partner of Demon Christian Petracca, who flew to Brisbane after a post-season break in Far North Queensland. And as if to demonstrate the licorice allsorts aspect to the red carpet this year, Zoe Heard, partner of the Swans' Jake Lloyd, wore a multicoloured windowpaned dress that looked just like the confectionery.
Where the more dressed down dress code was most pronounced was on the Gold Coast, where the partners of Geelong players embraced the contrast to previous Brownlow red carpets.
Emma Hawkins, wife of Tom Hawkins, waded through children's toys to post an amusing selfie in a sleek black Viktoria & Woods top and pants, while Mardi Dangerfield, wife of Patrick, worked with Geelong-based stylist Deni Todorovic, choosing a hot-pink By Johnny dress, while her husband donned a bone three-piece suit by MJ Bale.
But it was left to the Geelong skipper, Joel Selwood, to personify Gold Coast glam in a sports jacket, T-shirt and sneakers. However, if there was ever a year for prioritising comfort over couture, even if it was Hugo Boss, this was it.