A History of Controversial Red Carpet Fashion at the Brownlow Medal
From daring G-strings to avant-garde designs, the partners of AFL players have often made fashion headlines for their bold choices at the Brownlow Medal.
The Brownlow Medal, the annual event celebrating the Australian Football League's best and fairest player, is not only a night for sporting accolades but also a significant platform for fashion statements, often marked by memorable and sometimes controversial red carpet looks.
Over the years, the partners of AFL players, often referred to as WAGs (Wives and Girlfriends), have garnered attention for their sartorial choices, ranging from elegant gowns to audacious ensembles that have sparked debate and defined trends.
One of the earliest widely discussed fashion moments occurred in 2001 when Tania Buckley wore a pink gown that featured a bejewelled G-string detail, which partially exposed her lower back. Buckley later described the intense criticism she faced for the daring dress.
Another prominent figure in controversial fashion at the event is Brynne Edelsten, former wife of businessman Geoffrey Edelsten. Edelsten frequently made headlines for her elaborate and risqué outfits, including cleavage-baring gowns, sequined minidresses, and corset-style numbers throughout the early 2010s.
In 2014, Gabi Grecko, Edelsten's former fiancée, also drew significant attention for a black, heavily embellished dress with a very high split and a plunging neckline that reached nearly to her navel. The same year, Renee Enright, wife of Geelong Football Club player Corey Enright, opted for a white trouser suit, a departure from traditional gowns that divided opinions.
More recent years have also seen unique fashion choices. In 2025, Ellie Dickinson, partner of Sam Flanders of the Gold Coast Suns, wore a striking outfit featuring a chainmail-esque top and a ruched skirt. Lexi Mary, partner of Rory Lobb from the Western Bulldogs, embraced a futuristic look with an iridescent holographic gown that shimmered dramatically.
Other notable past fashion moments include Sarita Stella's 2001 red-leather football-inspired gown, Fiona Mills' 2003 dress adorned with patches from various AFL teams, and Taylor Wilson's 2015 choice of a sheer skirt worn over a leotard to display her leg tattoo.
In 2006, Rachel McLeod, wife of Andrew McLeod, sported a dress with a prominent '23' emblazoned on the back. Jarryn Geary's partner, Emma Giles, made a bold statement in 2018 with a plunging white gown featuring unusual pleated detailing. Ruby Keddie, then partner of GWS Co-Captain Callan Ward, wore a bright pink lace gown with a satin skirt in 2014. Rounding out some of the most talked-about looks, Kate Turner, girlfriend of Dyson Heppell, appeared in a black PVC bondage-inspired dress with a thigh split.