From a jewel-encrusted G-string dress to intoxicated interviews and the shameful ‘WAGs on a rotisserie’: A look back at the worst moments from the Brownlow Medal over the years

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The Brownlow Medal night is the biggest event of the AFL season, but it’s famous for more than just the award itself – the fashion and lively celebrations are just as much a part of the spectacle.

As a lifestyle expert, I’ve always observed that the wives and girlfriends of famous athletes – the ‘WAGs’ as they’re known – have a knack for turning heads. They’re not shy about making bold fashion statements, and honestly, they’ve become quite famous for grabbing the spotlight with their daring and often revealing style choices.

Okay, so everyone *tries* to look amazing, right? But honestly, over the years, I’ve seen so many outfits that just…didn’t work. They went for something shocking instead of something truly beautiful and classic. It’s like they were trying too hard, and it just fell flat. I always wish they’d choose elegance over, well, *that*.

Oh my gosh, I’m *still* thinking about some of the outfits I’ve seen over the years! Like, Tania Buckley’s dress – seriously, a G-string?! And Brynne Edelsten? She always brought something totally unexpected to the red carpet. The Daily Mail just reminded me of all these iconic, daring looks, and I had to relive them all! They were just… unforgettable.

In 2001, Tania caused a sensation when she wore a very revealing dress to the Brownlow Medal event, generating a lot of media attention.

Heads turned when the woman with blonde hair arrived at the event wearing a revealing, light pink dress.

The iconic dress featured a sequinned G-string intentionally attached to the base of Tania’s back.

Back in 2019, Tania shared with The Herald Sun that she had faced years of criticism just for wearing the bold dress.

‘I wouldn’t wish it on anybody,’ she said.

Brynne Edelsten, who was married to the late Geoffrey Edelsten, is well-known for her bold and often revealing fashion style.

Brynne is known for making a statement on the red carpet with her daring fashion choices. She’s worn everything from short, lacy dresses and corset-style tops reminiscent of the Renaissance, to outfits featuring mirrors and revealing necklines – often sparking conversation and turning heads.

Gabi Grecko, the fiancée of Edelsten, has been pushing the boundaries of red carpet style with her bold and dramatic fashion choices.

In 2014, the American model turned heads with a daring black dress. It featured a very low neckline, sparkling details, and a high slit that almost revealed too much.

Okay, let’s talk about fashion choices. This dress had a *very* low-cut neckline – quite dramatic, actually – and showed a significant amount of décolletage. It was definitely a bold look, and while some might appreciate that, it’s important to consider how much skin you’re comfortable revealing and if it suits the occasion. Ultimately, confidence is key, but balance is always a good idea!

In the same year, Corey Enright’s wife, Renee, also had a fashion mishap.

Despite being a personal stylist, she rocked up on the red carpet in an unusual white trouser suit.

Unlike the other wives and girlfriends of the players, this brunette chose a bold look: a low-cut jacket with sparkly, wide-leg pants that were a bit too long for her.

In 2001, Sarita Stella turned heads with a daring outfit: a red leather gown designed to resemble a football, complete with a matching handbag.

In 2003, Fiona Mills shocked as she arrived in a gown embellished with patches from each team.

In 2015, Taylor Wilson, who was dating Collingwood player Dane Swan, turned heads at an event wearing a see-through skirt over a bodysuit, revealing a tattoo on her leg.

Rachel McLeod, wife of Andrew McLeod, also made a statement at the 2006 red carpet event with a unique ’23’ design on the back of her outfit.

In 2018, Jarryn Geary’s partner, Emma Giles, turned heads in a striking white dress featuring unusual pleated details.

But it’s not only the fashion that has made headlines over the years.

At the 2009 Brownlow Medal ceremony, Brendan Fevola famously gave a very slurred and inappropriate interview with players and their partners.

While working on Channel Nine’s AFL Footy Show, the former player playfully pretended to attack Carlton’s Chris Judd, made inappropriate jokes towards his wife, Bec, kissed Sydney’s Ryan O’Keefe, and reacted angrily to what he perceived as a dismissive attitude from James Hird.

After leaving Carlton following the dispute, he was briefly prohibited from being on the Grand Final Footy Show.

In 2009, Brendan revealed how his antics ruined the Brownlow Medal for attendees over the years.

As a longtime listener of Fifi, Fev and Byron, I’ve noticed a change over the last nine years. Brendan pointed out on the show that they just haven’t been able to get drinks to people as quickly as they used to. It’s something I’ve definitely picked up on!

As a lifestyle expert who often speaks with athletes, I can tell you I consistently hear from players each year who aren’t thrilled with the changes being made. It’s a common frustration, and they reach out to share their concerns with me.

‘They say ‘You p***k!’ They hate me,’ he explained.

Oh my god, I still can’t believe they *did* that back in 2011! Channel Seven was just awful, seriously awful. They totally humiliated those women – the WAGs – with that disgusting ‘rotisserie’ thing. It was so embarrassing to watch, and so disrespectful. I was absolutely horrified, and so were so many other people! It just felt…wrong, you know?

The social network featured a special showcase where people could fully display their outfits and gowns.

It was widely slammed for objectifying women and was axed after one year.

Samantha Stynes, widow of Jim Stynes, famously questioned how the wives and girlfriends of players could feel comfortable being publicly displayed, comparing it to being shown off on a revolving platform.

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2025-09-20 14:22