Several partners of AFL players turned heads in scarlet dresses at a best-and-fairest awards night held this week, continuing a fashion trend that traditionally accompanies the league's end-of-season celebrations.
Women accompanying players arrived in a range of red gowns, from plunging halter necks to cowl-neck eveningwear. Liv Rose Taylor attended with Charlie Comben in a revealing halter dress with a deep neckline and hoop earrings. Siena Tainsh joined Zane Duursma in a gown described as evoking old‑Hollywood glamour, while Jess Vincent, partner of Riley Hardeman, wore a figure‑hugging scarlet frock. Ava Scapin, who accompanied Jack Hutchinson, wore a wrap‑around halter neck dress with a large front cut‑out that exposed her midriff. Ruby McDonald arrived with husband Tom McDonald in a long red cowl‑neck dress featuring a gold buckle detail. Bayley Fritsch’s partner, Natalie Perin, also chose red satin. Tammy Hembrow has been widely tipped to attend the Brownlow ceremony as the partner of Geelong midfielder Bailey Smith.
The event served as a prelude to the Brownlow Medal night, the AFL’s most prestigious individual award, which is scheduled for Sept. 22 at Crown Melbourne. The Brownlow has long combined the award presentation with a high-profile red‑carpet element, an intersection of sport and fashion that has prompted increasing scrutiny from league authorities.
Last week the AFL issued a blunt warning ahead of this year’s ceremonies, saying guests should remember the Brownlow is about the game’s highest individual honour rather than gowns or partners. "The Brownlow is who is the fairest and best player in the competition as opposed to who has the hottest girlfriend," an AFL figure told News Corp. League insiders have tightened guest lists for the Brownlow, with some regular red‑carpet attendees reportedly omitted in favour of players who are in genuine contention for votes or are past winners.
The fashion aspect has become a notable part of the event’s public profile over the years; stylists, designers and influencers have increasingly treated the arrivals as a runway, and media coverage of partners’ outfits frequently draws as much attention as the vote count. Organisers and league officials say the recent changes to guest lists and public messaging are intended to re-emphasise the award’s sporting purpose.
The best‑and‑fairest awards night was attended by players and their partners amid those shifting parameters. Organisers will next convene the Brownlow Medal count at Crown Melbourne, where the league will present its individual honours and monitor whether the evolving guest policies and messaging affect the balance between ceremony and competition.