Brownlow red carpet: Change in mood as players and partners strut their stuff

Is 2019 destined to become known as the “friendly Brownlow”?

On the expedited red carpet on Monday night, several high-profile partners of AFL greats said there had been a definite shift in mood compared to years gone by.

Emma and Tom Hawkins on the red carpet.Credit: AAP

“It’s really changed now,” said businesswoman Emma Hawkins, wife of Geelong star Tom Hawkins. “Credit to the media for trying to stamp out the nastiness that came from just looking at women as objects.”

Brownlow first-timer Natalie Perin, in a hot pink strapless gown, said she was totally out of her comfort zone.

“I’m not normally an attention sort of person, I never dress up,” said Ms Perin, who works in network security.

Nadia Bartel is hosting the Brownlow red carpet arrivals for Channel Seven.Credit: AAP

But the woman garnering the most attention in the room, nay the country, was Nadia Bartel, making her first Brownlow appearance since splitting from her husband, Geelong great Jimmy Bartel.

Wearing a strapless, ice-blue gown by Melbourne couturiers J’Aton, Bartel was on hosting duties for Channel 7 and had no idea of the massive positive reaction her look received. She said she was looking forward to spending time with her family after the broadcast and “having some hot chips”.

It was also a family affair for Collingwood skipper Scott Pendlebury and wife Alex, who are expecting their second child before Christmas.

Alex Pendlebury, wife of Scott Pendlebury of the Magpies.Credit: AAP

Wearing a black gown by Jane Hill, Mrs Pendlebury said it had been a difficult few days since the Magpies’ loss to GWS on Saturday.

“Not talking about footy helps. There’s not much you can do other than being there,” she said.

Another red carpet baby was nearly 1000 kilometres away, thanks to injured GWS player Callan Ward and wife Ruby, who revealed her five-month bump in her Velani gown. Mrs Ward is always a red carpet favourite for pushing the envelope with her look but with the team returning to Sydney for their grand final preparations, she was a notable absentee.

Jessie Murphy, wife of Carlton veteran Mark Murphy.Credit: Getty Images Asia Pac

Also missing this year was queen of the carpet Bec Judd, who chose to spend time in Perth with her sister and her newborn baby, leaving husband Chris Judd to walk the red carpet solo.

“It’ll be my quickest red carpet of all time,” he joked.

One player getting his share of attention was Bulldog Josh Dunkley, who brought his mum Lisa as his date and who many agreed was the best-dressed male in his white Joe Black jacket. Other strong trends on the red carpet included white and nude-toned gowns and belted dresses - a strong theme from the European catwalks of recent weeks.

Josh Dunkley of the Bulldogs and his mother Lisa Dunkley.Credit: AAP

Also among the best dressed were Charlotte Viney, Brit Davis and Monique Fontana.

Patrick Cripps of the Carlton and Monnique Fontana.Credit: AAP

Some of the more daring looks of the night included Anna Calle in canary yellow and Kate Turner, who wore a dress made from black latex. And you can always trust Tanya Buckley, famous for once wearing a diamanté g-string to the Brownlow, to bring some drama - this time in a red gown by Jason Grech.