Neila Bontempelli Responds to Criticism Over Brownlow Medal Dress

Neila Bontempelli, wife of Western Bulldogs AFL player Marcus Bontempelli, has addressed negative online reactions to her outfit at the 2026 Brownlow Medal ceremony. Bontempelli, who welcomed her first child, Daisy, one month prior to the event, stated that some of the messages she received were "shocking" and "upsetting."

In a statement provided to The Blunt And The Beautiful podcast, Bontempelli explained that her dress choice was made with practicality in mind, specifically to accommodate her recovery from a C-section and allow for breastfeeding. "I was recovering from a complex birth and cesarean," she said, adding that the design allowed for "good breastfeeding access, loose on the waist for a C-section scar, bandages, leakage." She noted that her mother had traveled from Canada to be present for the event.

Bontempelli described some of the comments as comparing her dress to a "boxing gown or a dressing gown." She acknowledged that her personal style might not appeal to everyone but emphasized that the most hurtful comments included remarks about her state of mind and the appropriateness of her attire.

Despite the negative feedback, Bontempelli also noted that she received thousands of positive messages. She stated that she felt comfortable, happy, and confident in her chosen attire and that her husband Marcus found her to be "absolutely beautiful."

The silk kimono-style gown featured a loose silhouette and a floral accent at the hip. Bontempelli had previously shared on Instagram how the design facilitated easy breastfeeding.

Bontempelli and Marcus welcomed their daughter, Daisy Isobel, on August 14. The couple announced the birth on Instagram shortly after.

Marcus Bontempelli, 30, and Neila, who is originally from Canada, were married in October of the previous year. They met in 2021 in Western Australia.