AFLW’s brightest stars party the night away after showing off their high-fashion frocks

AFLW’s biggest and brightest stars turned up ready to party at the AFLW Awards in Melbourne on Tuesday night.

Brisbane Lions star Emily Bates was named the player of the season for 2022 and celebrations were soon underway. 

The players clinked glasses and embraced one another as Bates took to the podium to collect her award to the sound of raucous applause. 

Party time: The Adelaide Crows stars were excited for the night, and this weekend’s home grand final against Melbourne. Pictured: Ashleigh Woodland, Anne Hatchard, Ebony Marinoff, Teah Charlton, Sarah Allan, Marijana Rajcic, Chelsea Randall, Eloise Jones

In an exciting count, Bates won the award by the narrowest of margins, a single vote ahead of Adelaide young gun Anne Hatchard. 

The pair were tied going into the final round but Bates polled a perfect three votes for her round 10 performance while Hatchard was awarded two. 

Mimi Hill of the Blues took home the NAB Rising Star Medal for the league’s top young talent, accepting the award while dressed in an ornate blue floral gown. 

Winner: Brisbane Lions star Emily Bates was named the player of the season for 2022

Winner: Brisbane Lions star Emily Bates was named the player of the season for 2022

Cheers: Celebrations were soon underway with teammates embracing her

Cheers: Celebrations were soon underway with teammates embracing her

Happy: The players rose to their feet as Bates took to the podium to collect her award

Happy: The players rose to their feet as Bates took to the podium to collect her award

Chuffed: Bates modesty accepted her win to the sound of raucous applause

Chuffed: Bates modesty accepted her win to the sound of raucous applause 

Larking around at the event, Anne Hatchard got down on on bended knee as she pretended to propose to Georgie Wirth while team mate Sarah Allan held the train and her partner Brock Perkins pretended to be the minister. 

Meanwhile, Courtney Hodder and Jesse Wardlaw of the Lions struck a pose in front of an elaborate light display.  

The red carpet had earlier lit up with all manner of glamorous frocks as the players left their uniforms at home and traded them for high-fashion looks. 

Hugs all round: Bates was congratulated by teammates after winning the AFLW player of the season award

Hugs all round: Bates was congratulated by teammates after winning the AFLW player of the season award

Laughs: Larking around at the event, Anne Hatchard got down on on bended knee as she pretended to propose to Georgie Wirth while team mate Sarah Allan held the train and her partner Brock Perkins pretended to be the minister

Laughs: Larking around at the event, Anne Hatchard got down on on bended knee as she pretended to propose to Georgie Wirth while team mate Sarah Allan held the train and her partner Brock Perkins pretended to be the minister

Poses: Meanwhile, Courtney Hodder and Jesse Wardlaw of the Lions struck a pose in front of an elaborate light display

Poses: Meanwhile, Courtney Hodder and Jesse Wardlaw of the Lions struck a pose in front of an elaborate light display

Tayla Harris looed stunning as she arrived on the red carpet in an eye-catching green velvet dress. 

She completed her look with a pair of clear heels and couldn’t wipe the smile off her face as she posed on the red carpet. 

Tayla left her short blonde hair out and let her natural beauty shine, by opting for a neutral palette of makeup. 

Victory: Bates, whose Lions team lost the chance to defend its 2021 premiership when it narrowly lost to Melbourne in last weekend's preliminary final, took out the top individual award

Victory: Bates, whose Lions team lost the chance to defend its 2021 premiership when it narrowly lost to Melbourne in last weekend’s preliminary final, took out the top individual award

Close: In an exciting count, Bates won the award by the narrowest of margins, a single vote ahead of Adelaide young gun Anne Hatchard

Close: In an exciting count, Bates won the award by the narrowest of margins, a single vote ahead of Adelaide young gun Anne Hatchard

Brisbane Lions coach Craig Starcevich stayed good to his word and drank a champagne 'shoey' to mark Emily Bates' medal

Brisbane Lions coach Craig Starcevich stayed good to his word and drank a champagne ‘shoey’ to mark Emily Bates’ medal

The sports star was also joined by Anne Hatchard and her girlfriend Georgie Wirth.

Anne made a style statement in a white suit jacket and matching coloured pants as she arrived to the event.

Meanwhile, Georgie looked stylish in a white backless gown as she embraced her partner on the red carpet.

Melbourne Tayla Harris (right) and guest wore an eye-catching green velvet dress

Melbourne Tayla Harris (right) and guest wore an eye-catching green velvet dress

Clearly cool: She completed her look with a pair of clear heels and couldn't wipe the smile off her face as she posed on the red carpet

Clearly cool: She completed her look with a pair of clear heels and couldn’t wipe the smile off her face as she posed on the red carpet

Second: Anne Hatchard (right) finished second in the medal count but may have won the red carpet as she and her partner wore complementing white outfits

Second: Anne Hatchard (right) finished second in the medal count but may have won the red carpet as she and her partner wore complementing white outfits

Glamorous: Abbey Holmes went for a similar approach, arriving to the event in a long white beaded gown

Glamorous: Abbey Holmes went for a similar approach, arriving to the event in a long white beaded gown

Abbey Holmes went for a similar approach, arriving to the event in a long white beaded gown which featured a high slit.

She tied her long blonde locks back and wore a full face of makeup consisting of blush and a nude lip.

Katie Brennan of the Tigers stunned in a vintage style deep blue gown that trailed on the ground around her. 

Jesse Wardlaw of the Lions made a statement in a baby pink suit with just a bra underneath, with her guest rocking a similar look. 

Wow: Jesse Wardlaw of the Lions made a statement in a baby pink suit with just a bra underneath, with her guest rocking a similar look

Wow: Jesse Wardlaw of the Lions made a statement in a baby pink suit with just a bra underneath, with her guest rocking a similar look

Fancy: Katie Brennan of the Tigers stunned in a vintage style deep blue gown that trailed on the ground around her

Fancy: Katie Brennan of the Tigers stunned in a vintage style deep blue gown that trailed on the ground around her

Blooming: Courtney Hodder of the Lions chose a white mini dress with puffed detailing along the shoulders along with strappy heels

Blooming: Courtney Hodder of the Lions chose a white mini dress with puffed detailing along the shoulders along with strappy heels

Mum's the word: Alyssa Bannan made a style statement in a long black gown which had a beaded bodice. She was all smiles as she posed alongside her mother

Mum’s the word: Alyssa Bannan made a style statement in a long black gown which had a beaded bodice. She was all smiles as she posed alongside her mother

Meanwhile, Alyssa Bannan made a style statement in a long black gown which had a beaded bodice and posed alongside her mother after arriving to the event.

Alyssa was also joined by Eliza James, who looked stunning in a long silver beaded gown.

Courtney Hodder of the Lions chose a white mini dress with puffed detailing along the shoulders along with strappy heels.  

Star-studded event: Alyssa was also joined by Eliza James, who looked stunning in a long silver gown

Star-studded event: Alyssa was also joined by Eliza James, who looked stunning in a long silver gown

Style statement: Katie Brennan also attended the event in a long gown which featured a plunging neckline

Style statement: Katie Brennan also attended the event in a long gown which featured a plunging neckline

Blushing: Tahlia Randall of the Kangaroos stunned in a blush pink two-piece with a full skirt that had a high split, while her guest dazzled in black sequins

Blushing: Tahlia Randall of the Kangaroos stunned in a blush pink two-piece with a full skirt that had a high split, while her guest dazzled in black sequins

Katie Brennan attended in a long gown which featured a plunging neckline, curled her long blonde locks and completed her look with statement earrings.

Tahlia Randall of the Kangaroos stunned in a blush pink two-piece with a full skirt that had a high split, while her guest dazzled in black sequins. 

Meanwhile, Ebony Marinoff showed off her figure in a silk green halterneck dress.

Stunning! Ebony Marinoff showed off her figure in a silk green halterneck dress

Stunning! Ebony Marinoff showed off her figure in a silk green halterneck dress

Red hot! Adelaide Crows players Marijana Rajcic and Erin Phillips also made style statements as they arrived to the awards ceremony in red dresses

Red hot! Adelaide Crows players Marijana Rajcic and Erin Phillips also made style statements as they arrived to the awards ceremony in red dresses

Peek: Brianna Davey of the Magpies chose a maroon vest and trousers combination as se posed alongside a guest who opted for a lacy bra under a blazer

Peek: Brianna Davey of the Magpies chose a maroon vest and trousers combination as se posed alongside a guest who opted for a lacy bra under a blazer

Adelaide Crows players Marijana Rajcic and Erin Phillips also made style statements as they arrived to the awards ceremony in red dresses teamed with white sneakers.

Brianna Davey of the Magpies chose a maroon vest and trousers combination as se posed alongside a guest who opted for a lacy bra under a blazer. 

Meanwhile, Daisy Pearce couldn’t wipe the smile off her face as she posed in a white suit jacket, pants and purple T-shirt.

Style: Daisy Pearce couldn't wipe the smile off her face as she posed in a white suit jackets, pants and purple T-shirt

Style: Daisy Pearce couldn’t wipe the smile off her face as she posed in a white suit jackets, pants and purple T-shirt

Pretty in pink! Kate Hore wore a stylish pink dress as she posed with her partner at the event

 Pretty in pink! Kate Hore wore a stylish pink dress as she posed with her partner at the event

All smiles: Baliey Hunt and Eleanor Brown embraced one another on the red carpet

All smiles: Baliey Hunt and Eleanor Brown embraced one another on the red carpet

Joel Peterson and Kerryn Harrington of the Blues made a fine pair, with Kerryn opting for a sleek black frock and towering strappy beige heels. 

Emma Kearney of the Kangaroos chose a romantic yellow gown with cut-outs at the side and nude heels.

Singer Julia Stone meanwhile was pretty in pink in a show-stopping off-the-shoulder top and maxi skirt. 

Chic: Joel Peterson and Kerryn Harrington of the Blues made a fine pair, with Kerryn opting for a sleek black frock and towering strappy beige heels

Chic: Joel Peterson and Kerryn Harrington of the Blues made a fine pair, with Kerryn opting for a sleek black frock and towering strappy beige heels

Mellow: Emma Kearney of the Kangaroos chose a romantic yellow gown with cut-outs at the side and nude heels

Mellow: Emma Kearney of the Kangaroos chose a romantic yellow gown with cut-outs at the side and nude heels

Think pink: Singer Julia Stone meanwhile was pretty in pink in a show-stopping off-the-shoulder top and maxi skirt

Think pink: Singer Julia Stone meanwhile was pretty in pink in a show-stopping off-the-shoulder top and maxi skirt

Pop star G Flip opted for an on-trend rust toned suit and black and white retro creeper shoes as she posed alongside a stunning guest in a flirty checked dress. 

Alicia Eva of the Giants had everyone green with envy, opting for a silk emerald slick dress while her guest went for a similar black gown. 

Cool kids: Pop star G Flip opted for an on-trend rust toned suit and black and white retro creeper shoes as she posed alongside a stunning guest in a flirty checked dress

Cool kids: Pop star G Flip opted for an on-trend rust toned suit and black and white retro creeper shoes as she posed alongside a stunning guest in a flirty checked dress

Emerald city: Alicia Eva of the Giants had everyone green with envy, opting for a silk emerald slick dress while her guest went for a similar black gown

Emerald city: Alicia Eva of the Giants had everyone green with envy, opting for a silk emerald slick dress while her guest went for a similar black gown

Breann Moody of the Blues and her twin sister Celine Moody stunned in old Hollywood red carpet looks – Breanne in textured pink while Celine chose bright red. 

Akec Makur Chuot of the Tigers also chose red for her gown, which featured a stunning lace train. 

Kaitlyn Ashmore of the Kangaroos looked stunning in a marron dress with glittering metallic embellishments. 

Glam: Breann Moody of the Blues and her twin sister Celine Moody stunned in old Hollywood red carpet looks - Breanne in textured pink while Celine chose bright red

Glam: Breann Moody of the Blues and her twin sister Celine Moody stunned in old Hollywood red carpet looks – Breanne in textured pink while Celine chose bright red

Red-y for fun! Akec Makur Chuot of the Tigers also chose red for her gown, which featured a stunning lace train

Red-y for fun! Akec Makur Chuot of the Tigers also chose red for her gown, which featured a stunning lace train

Glittering: Kaitlyn Ashmore of the Kangaroos looked stunning in a marron dress with glittering metallic embellishments

Glittering: Kaitlyn Ashmore of the Kangaroos looked stunning in a marron dress with glittering metallic embellishments

Sam Mitchell, the coach of the Hawks in the AFL, posed alongside Bec Goddard. the coach of the Hawks, who was chic in a white suit.    

Ashleigh Woodland of the Adelaide Crows opted for a black one-shoulder gown and larked around with Erin Phillips who showed off her white sneakers. 

Madison Prespakis of the Blues was chic in a black jumpsuit with cutouts and strappy heels. 

Black and white: Sam Mitchell, the coach of the Hawks in the AFL, posed alongside Bec Goddard. the coach of the Hawks, who was chic in a white suit

Black and white: Sam Mitchell, the coach of the Hawks in the AFL, posed alongside Bec Goddard. the coach of the Hawks, who was chic in a white suit

Fun: Ashleigh Woodland of the Adelaide Crows opted for a black one-shoulder gown and larked around with Erin Phillips who showed off her white sneakers

Fun: Ashleigh Woodland of the Adelaide Crows opted for a black one-shoulder gown and larked around with Erin Phillips who showed off her white sneakers

On trend: Madison Prespakis of the Blues was chic in a black jumpsuit with cutouts

On trend: Madison Prespakis of the Blues was chic in a black jumpsuit with cutouts

Megan Fitzsimon looked elegant in a midnight blue silk dress with a peekaboo portion at the midriff and chunky white heels. 

Libby Birch of Melbourne showcased her incredible figure in a fitted army green dress with a daring thigh-high split. 

Sarah Allan of the Adelaide Crows chose a classy black frock while her partner Brock Perkins donned a blue suit. 

On fire: Ellie Blackburn of the Bulldogs chose a show-stopping fire engine red gown with a long train and thigh-high split

On fire: Ellie Blackburn of the Bulldogs chose a show-stopping fire engine red gown with a long train and thigh-high split

Dark and stormy: Megan Fitzsimon looked elegant in a midnight blue silk dress with a peekaboo portion at the midriff and chunky white heels

Dark and stormy: Megan Fitzsimon looked elegant in a midnight blue silk dress with a peekaboo portion at the midriff and chunky white heels

Legs eleven: Libby Birch of Melbourne showcased her incredible figure in a fitted army green dress with a daring thigh-high split

Legs eleven: Libby Birch of Melbourne showcased her incredible figure in a fitted army green dress with a daring thigh-high split

All white: Ruby Schleicher of the Magpies turned heads in a white dress with a thigh-high split as she posed alongside an elegant guest

All white: Ruby Schleicher of the Magpies turned heads in a white dress with a thigh-high split as she posed alongside an elegant guest

Shelley Heath of Melbourne dazzled in a rose gold metallic one-shoulder dress and strappy white heels.

Chloe Molloy of the Magpies chose a silky layered gown in a soft green tone as she posed with a guest. 

Ellie Blackburn of the Bulldogs chose a show-stopping fire engine red gown with a long train and thigh-high split. 

Golden girl: Shelley Heath of Melbourne dazzled in a rose gold metallic one-shoulder dress and strappy white heels

Golden girl: Shelley Heath of Melbourne dazzled in a rose gold metallic one-shoulder dress and strappy white heels

Shiny: Chloe Molloy of the Magpies chose a silky layered gown in a soft green tone as she posed with a guest

Shiny: Chloe Molloy of the Magpies chose a silky layered gown in a soft green tone as she posed with a guest

Feeling blue: Bonnie Toogood of the Bulldogs and guest went for a high fashion look in a blue silk suit with wide legged trousers

Feeling blue: Bonnie Toogood of the Bulldogs and guest went for a high fashion look in a blue silk suit with wide legged trousers

Contrasts: Crows players Marijana Rajcic and Chelsea Randall posed together with Marijana in a bright red dress and sneakers while Chelsea chose classic black

Contrasts: Crows players Marijana Rajcic and Chelsea Randall posed together with Marijana in a bright red dress and sneakers while Chelsea chose classic black

Crows players Marijana Rajcic and Chelsea Randall posed together with Marijana in a bright red dress and sneakers while Chelsea chose classic black.

Lauren Pearce of Melbourne stunned in a deep blue one-shoulder gown with a flared skirt as she attended alongside a guest. 

Adelaide Crows player Eloise Jones and Partner Erin La Barbera beamed for the camera in contrasting ruby red and black gowns that showed off hints of skin. 

Stunning: Lauren Pearce of Melbourne stunned in a deep blue one-shoulder gown with a flared skirt as she attended alongside a guest

Stunning: Lauren Pearce of Melbourne stunned in a deep blue one-shoulder gown with a flared skirt as she attended alongside a guest

Looking good: Adelaide Crows player Eloise Jones and Partner Erin La Barbera beamed for the camera in contrasting ruby red and black gowns that showed off hints of skin

Looking good: Adelaide Crows player Eloise Jones and Partner Erin La Barbera beamed for the camera in contrasting ruby red and black gowns that showed off hints of skin

Bright: Kate Hore and Lily Mithen of Melbourne made statements with bold dresses, with Kate in powdery pink while Lily chose a vintage style floral look

Bright: Kate Hore and Lily Mithen of Melbourne made statements with bold dresses, with Kate in powdery pink while Lily chose a vintage style floral look

Kate Hore and Lily Mithen of Melbourne made statements with bold dresses, with Kate in powdery pink while Lily chose a vintage style floral look. 

AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan posed alongside his wife Laura Blythe who commanded attention in a fitted animal print maxi dress. 

Tim Silver, CEO of the Crows with Adelaide Crows assistant coach Courtney Cramey, both chose classic black outfits with Courtney in a high-neck dress with cut-outs.  

A pair: AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan posed alongside his wife Laura Blythe who commanded attention in a fitted animal print maxi dress

A pair: AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan posed alongside his wife Laura Blythe who commanded attention in a fitted animal print maxi dress

Side by side: Tim Silver, CEO of the Crows with Adelaide Crows assistant coach Courtney Cramey, both chose classic black outfits with Courtney in a high-neck dress with cut-outs

Side by side: Tim Silver, CEO of the Crows with Adelaide Crows assistant coach Courtney Cramey, both chose classic black outfits with Courtney in a high-neck dress with cut-outs

Baby blues: Sarah Allan of the Adelaide Crows chose a classy black frock while her partner Brock Perkins donned a blue suit

Baby blues: Sarah Allan of the Adelaide Crows chose a classy black frock while her partner Brock Perkins donned a blue suit

Ruby Schleicher of the Magpies turned heads in a white dress with a thigh-high split as she posed alongside an elegant guest. 

Adelaide Crows Deputy Chair Linda Fellows and Director Rod Jameson posed together, with Linda adding dazzle to her gown with an embellished belt. 

Bonnie Toogood of the Bulldogs and guest went for a high fashion look in a blue silk suit with wide legged trousers. 

Classic: Adelaide Crows Deputy Chair Linda Fellows and Director Rod Jameson posed together, with Linda adding dazzle to her gown with an embellished belt

Classic: Adelaide Crows Deputy Chair Linda Fellows and Director Rod Jameson posed together, with Linda adding dazzle to her gown with an embellished belt

Pepa Randall and Georgia Garnett of the Giants posed at the event together, each looking stunning in their ensembles.

David Stevenson of the AFL also looked dapper in a black tuxedo, white buttoned shirt and bowtie at the event.

Joanna Lin of the Magpies looked glamorous in a long navy dress while Sarah Rowe made a statement in a dress frock. 

Smile! Pepa Randall and Georgia Garnett of the Giants posed at the event together, each looking stunning in their ensembles

Smile! Pepa Randall and Georgia Garnett of the Giants posed at the event together, each looking stunning in their ensembles

Looking sharp! David Stevenson of the AFL also looked dapper in a black tuxedo, white buttoned shirt and bowtie at the event

Looking sharp! David Stevenson of the AFL also looked dapper in a black tuxedo, white buttoned shirt and bowtie at the event

Dressed to impress: Joanna Lin of the Magpies looked glamorous in a long navy dress while Sarah Rowe made a statement in a dress frock

Dressed to impress: Joanna Lin of the Magpies looked glamorous in a long navy dress while Sarah Rowe made a statement in a dress frock

Natalie Grider of the Lion showed off incredible figure in a black halter-neck dress as she attended the event with boyfriend Connor McFadyer.

Orla ODwyer of the Lions stunned in a figure-hugging pink dress which featured a high slit.

Meanwhile, Georgia Gee of the Blues flaunted her physique in a long purple dress and couldn’t wipe the smile off her face as she arrived to the event.

Beauty in black! Natalie Grider of the Lion showed off incredible figure in a black halter-neck dress as she attended the event with boyfriend Connor McFadyer

Beauty in black! Natalie Grider of the Lion showed off incredible figure in a black halter-neck dress as she attended the event with boyfriend Connor McFadyer

Pretty in pink! Orla ODwyer of the Lions stunned in a figure-hugging pink dress which featured a high slit

Pretty in pink! Orla ODwyer of the Lions stunned in a figure-hugging pink dress which featured a high slit

Fashionista: Georgia Gee of the Blues flaunted her physique in a purple dress and couldn't wipe the smile off her face as she arrived to the event

Fashionista: Georgia Gee of the Blues flaunted her physique in a purple dress and couldn’t wipe the smile off her face as she arrived to the event

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