This was published 6 months ago
Thank you very much for joining our coverage of the Brownlow red carpet, that’s where we will leave our coverage.
If you’re still looking for more, you can read The Age and Sydney Morning Herald fashion editor Damien Woolnough’s expert analysis on the gowns that defined this year’s event.
But for now, the count is moments away from starting, and you can follow all the highs and lows in our dedicated Brownlow live blog.
Have a splendid evening ahead.
On the arm of her fiancé, Magpies player Josh Daicos, model and 2022 Miss Universe Australia runner-up Annalise Dalins lived out her full princess fantasy in a sea foam strapless gown from Oglia Oro couture.
The structured bodice and drop-waist, full skirt brought a touch of Bridgerton to the esoteric evening.
The outfit was styled by Paul Versace.
“I think it’s all about feeling confident in what you are wearing and loving the entire look,” Versace says of a stand-out Brownlow look. “It really does show on the red carpet.”
Dalins exudes regal confidence.
Hollywood has been on the mood board for many of tonight’s standout Brownlow looks, with Arlette Amor’s black gown from Kyha Studios, a welcome interpretation of Ayo Edibiri’s leather Louis Vuitton dress from the 2024 Emmy’s.
Amor, the partner of Nick Daicos of Collingwood, ignored the leather and stiff structure that made Edibiri’s dress a fashion moment, for a looser fabric, longer hemline and sweetheart neckline.
Both dresses offer Gothic appeal, but Amor’s interpretation avoids the comparison with a drill bit that met Edibiri’s ensemble.
If it’s good enough for Zendaya… Meka Norton-Smith seems to have taken inspiration from the Dune actor’s iconic 2020 red carpet moment in a Tom Ford breastplate.
With Levi Ashcroft of the Lions, Norton Smith donned the familiar creation from Melbourne couturiers Sepideh Couture.
While Zendaya chose a PG smoothed down bodice, originally worn by Perth model Ajok Madel in Ford’s spring/summer 2020 showcase, Norton-Smith’s selection opted for maximum realism with nipple details.
The man of the moment has just graced the carpet and loaned us a couple of precious minutes.
Red-hot favourite Nick Daicos said he’s heading into tonight’s count without too many expectations.
“No expectations, I’m just happy to be in contention, so hopefully it’s a fun night.”
Daicos said he was still feeling the weekend’s tough loss against the Lions, but the team were prepared to put in the work and return next year.
“We’re definitely still shattered. Still raw, it was two days ago, so definitely still feeling it, but I hope that we come back a better team,” he said.
“I think everyone’s quite motivated to get back and feature this time of year.”
Most eyes are on the main event in Melbourne, but since Brisbane will play in Saturday’s grand final against Geelong, the players have their own ceremony in the sunshine state tonight.
To avoid any claims of Vic-bias, let’s shine a little light on the glamorous looks up north:
This year’s Brownlow may just be the most lavish impromptu baby shower ever, with Tiffany Mills, the wife of Sydney Swans captain Callum Mills, announcing her pregnancy on the red carpet.
The baby is expected in early March.
“We really wanted to accentuate the bump and have it feel really sleek and elegant,” says Mills. “It was all part of the process, so much so that we designed the outfit around the bump, with the fitted silk skirt hugging it and the cape framing it nicely so it was accentuated.”
Dee Salmin’s deeply personal approach to red carpet dressing, along with heartfelt opinions on her relationship with Collingwood player Darcy Moore, leave internet trolls with itchy fingers.
The Triple J radio presenter’s outfit this year emerged from criticism of her views on living apart from her boyfriend.
The crude social media comment, “Darcy has money, fame and elite football skills, yet traded his gonads to a feminist witch,” became the inspiration for Salmin’s upcycled look.
“It makes me look like a sexy sea witch,” Salmin says. “I’m leaning into the comments.”