While many people’s attention will be firmly rooted on the country’s AFL stars at Monday night’s Brownlow Medal 2017, what many might forget is that there will be just as stiff a competition happening on the red carpet.
For thanks to a tendency for plunging necklines, risqué fashion choices and bright colours, the WAGs of AFL have always made a name for themselves for stealing the limelight with their sartorial decisions.
Ahead of the extravagant and prestigious evening – which takes place in Melbourne’s glamorous Crown Casino – FEMAIL takes a glance back at some of the most memorable red carpet moments to date.
From a young Rebecca Judd (née Twigley) in that low-cut red dress in 2004 to Brynne Edelsten’s unique outfit choices and more, there’s plenty to remember – whether for the right or wrong reasons.
FEMAIL takes a look back at some of the most memorable moments – good and bad – from the Brownlow red carpet; Rebecca Judd (nee Twigley) took out the ‘Gownlow’ in 2004 – when she sported this plunging red number (pictured)
There have been many successes (Jesinta Campbell, pictured left and Nadia Bartel, pictured right), as well as some fails
Over the years, Melbourne-based WAG and TV presenter, Rebecca Judd, has made a name for herself for sporting a mixture of glamorous and eye-popping outfits to the Brownlows – this red dress catapulted the then-student into the spotlight
Over the years, Melbourne-based WAG and TV presenter, Rebecca Judd, has made a name for herself for sporting a mixture of glamorous and eye-popping outfits to the Brownlows.
Ever since the now 34-year-old first rocked up to the awards ceremony in that plunging red dress in 2004, she has been a ‘Gownlow’ standout.
The dress – by Ruth Tarvydas – propelled the then-young university student and model into the media spotlight – as her partner, Chris Judd, took home the coveted medal.
‘I was like, “What?” So that was a whole introduction to public life I hadn’t had before,’ Bec told Herald Sun of the sudden press attention.
Since that point, Bec has hardly put a sartorial foot wrong – attending the glamorous night wearing Australian designers such as Toni Maticevski, Aurellio Costarella and J’Aton among others over the years.
Since that point, Bec has hardly put a sartorial foot wrong – attending the glamorous night wearing Australian designers such as Toni Maticevski, Aurellio Costarella (pictured in 2006) and J’Aton
But it’s not just Bec who has wowed on the Brownlow red carpet – Jesinta Campbell has also not put a sartorial foot wrong (pictured with Buddy Franklin in 2014)
As well as some hits, there have been countless misses – Rachel McLeod wore her husband’s number in diamonds on her back in 2006 (left), while Melanie Smerdon (right) rocked an awkward cut-out tummy in 2005
But it’s not just Bec who has wowed the crowd on the Brownlow red carpet.
Brynne Edelsten, former wife of Geoffrey Edelsten, has made headlines over the years for her figure-hugging elaborate and risqué fashion choices.
From black and pink lace minis and renaissance-inspired corset numbers to mirror-embellished bodices and plunging necklines, Brynne has never failed to shock trigger a little controversy on the red carpet.
Likewise, Edelsten’s more recent wife, Gabi Grecko, has taken the red carpet fashion code to new levels with her increasingly outrageous and theatrical pieces.
Elsewhere at the Brownlows, there has been everything from suits – as worn by Liam Picken’s partner, Annie Nolan – to whimsical princess dresses, worn by Brit Davis, the glamorous partner of Joel Selwood of Geelong.
While there have been plenty of red carpet hits – including Brit’s stunning dress, Jessie Habermann’s elegant choice and Jesinta Campbell’s asymmetrical black jumpsuit from last year – there have also been some slightly more controversial looks.
Sarita Stella, partner of Brodie Holland in 2002, for instance, showcased her dedication to the sport by turning up to the 2002 medal wearing a red leather AFL-emblazoned gown.
Jessie Habermann is famous for her elegant and princess-like choices (pictured with partner Marc Murphy in 2016 and 2015)
In the past, news coverage has shown the extreme lengths WAGs will go to get red carpet ready – from $467,000 diamond rings to custom-made designer gowns (pictured: Kate Lawrence in 2014 and Brit Davis in 2016)
In the past, news coverage has shown the extreme lengths WAGs will go to get red carpet ready – from $467,000 diamond rings to custom-made designer gowns.
Monday night’s extravaganza is sure to be no different.
The Brownlow Medal 2017 will take place on Monday September 25 at the Crown Palladium in Melbourne.