The 2026 Brownlow Medal ceremony in Melbourne saw not only the AFL's best and fairest recognized but also a significant fashion display on the red carpet, with the partners of players, known as WAGs, taking center stage. The event, held at Crown Palladium, transformed into a major Australian fashion moment, highlighting daring gowns, glittering jewelry, and custom couture.
Among the notable arrivals, Lexi Mary, partner of Western Bulldogs player Rory Lobb, made a striking entrance in a sheer Con Ilio gown adorned with black feather detailing. Styled by Meggy Smith, the ensemble was complemented by Jimmy Choo heels and Anton Jewellery. Dani Shreeve, partner of Hawthorn's Jack Gunston, opted for a shimmering Elly Sofocli gown with a halterneck and feathered accents, earning praise for her style. Model Brooke Bailey, partner of former Tiger Dion Prestia, wore a heavily embellished Oglialoro Couture gown.
Rozalia Russian presented a glamorous look in a J'Aton Couture gown, paired with Anton Jewellery. Abbey Holmes, a host and expectant mother, chose a sophisticated burgundy Cappellazzo Couture gown that accommodated her baby bump, accessorized with Tiffany & Co. jewelry. AFL legend James Hird attended with his new partner, Natalie Young, who wore a plunging red sequin dress.
Paris Bishop, partner of Bomber Sam Durham, impressed in a crystal-encrusted Alin Le' Kal gown. Tayla M Brown and Ruby Dixon arrived in strikingly similar shimmering, backless gowns by Cassandra Renee Couture and Tulle Addict, respectively. Mardi Dangerfield, wife of Patrick Dangerfield, embraced a Barbie-inspired aesthetic with a vibrant pink Georgia Young Couture gown.
Annalise Dalins, fiancée of Josh Daicos, showcased high-fashion drama in a black mesh Alin Le' Kal gown with an embellished corset and sheer tulle skirt, accessorized with Temelli diamonds. Alex Pendlebury, wife of Scott Pendlebury, demonstrated enduring style in an Oglia-Loro Couture creation. Cartia Condy, partner of Josh Rachele, exuded old Hollywood glamour in a liquid silver Iris Serban gown, while Tess Yeo, wife of Elliot Yeo, wore a sparkling Eliya The Label sequined gown. Jessie Edwards, partner of Jack Sinclair, opted for a matching black ensemble with her partner.
Lauren Pavlich, wife of Sydney Swans CEO Matthew Pavlich, presented understated glamour in a burgundy lace gown. Timnah Poratt, partner of Luke Davies-Uniacke, chose a black lace Cassandra Renee Couture gown with intricate floral details and an open back.
However, not all fashion choices were met with acclaim. Layla Owen, partner of Tom Sparrow, wore a sculptural gold bodice with a black skirt, described as a Gladiator-inspired look. Tayla Broad, wife of Nathan Broad, opted for a flowing chocolate brown halterneck gown, deemed too understated. Neila Bontempelli, wife of Marcus Bontempelli, wore a silver kimono-style frock with a black collar and red floral sash, which was likened to attire from a martial arts film.
Emma, wife of James Sicily, donned a bubblegum pink gown with a dramatic fishtail hem, considered reminiscent of a large pompom. Another Emma, wife of Andrew McGrath, wore a shiny mauve satin gown described as having an 'intergalactic bridesmaid' silhouette. Annabelle Tigani, wife of Jarman Impey, layered a black column gown over a satin shirt and tie, a combination perceived as corporate and unusual. Sabina Wheatley, partner of Aliir Aliir, wore a sculpted black corset with a large ruffled ivory skirt, raising questions about practicality.
AFL commentator Jess Webster's pale blush Abyss by Abby gown was described as more suited for a school formal. Jess Butler, partner of Max Holmes, wore a silver satin gown with a plunging sculptural bodice that appeared to overwhelm her frame. Georgia May, partner of Jai Newcombe, chose an oversized ivory ensemble that drowned her figure. Arlette Amor, girlfriend of Nick Daicos, wore an ivory Effie Kats gown with an excessive train.
Other notable looks included gold and bronze gowns on Olivia May and Chloe Wheatland, which were deemed not to have 'looked expensive.' Hot pink ensembles on Meecah Yates and Kiera Caddy also failed to impress. Nina Starkey, wife of Wayne Milera, wore a shimmering gold fringed gown, though an awkward fit around the bust detracted from the look. Kate Lawrence, wife of Luke Parker, wore a voluminous scarlet halterneck gown described as resembling a glamorous parachute.
The 2026 Brownlow Medal red carpet once again provided ample discussion, showcasing both fashion triumphs and risks taken by the partners of AFL stars.