AFL legend James Hird returned to the Brownlow Medal on Monday night, marking his first appearance at the event in 14 years and debuting his new partner, Natalie Young.
Hird, who was seen in a black tuxedo, attended the event with Young, who wore a sequined ruby red gown. The couple posed together on the red carpet.
Hird has been in a relationship with Young, who works in property, for just over a year. This comes after his split from his wife of 27 years, Tania, in January of the previous year. Hird and Tania have four children together.
Speaking about his return to the ceremony, Hird told the Herald Sun, "It's 30 years for us since we won it and it was a special time. Natalie is coming with me. We're very happy. It'll be nice to be in the room and around great people."
His public appearance coincides with a career resurgence, including a television role on Channel Nine's Footy Furnace. Hird is recognized as one of the sport's prominent figures, having played 253 games for Essendon and jointly winning the Brownlow Medal. He is also a member of the Australian Football Hall of Fame.
