Carlton champion Chris Judd has been crowned the surprise winner of the 2010 Brownlow Medal making him the 13th player to win the award twice.

However before the night unfolded we were reminded that it’s not just an awards ceremony.

Tom Kojrowicz reports.

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TRANSCRIPT

With flashy cars, footy stars and blue carpet arrivals, the annual Brownlow Medal awards night is as much a fashion parade as a prestigious ceremony to award the ‘fairest and best’ AFL player.

Gary Ablett, Geelong midfielder: “We go along and enjoy the awards and the girls like getting dressed up.”

This year had its own fairest and best display of shocking frocks.

Vox 1: “So this has all been laser cut and hand sewn with a silk rayon burn-out.”

Down to business with all eyes being on crowd favourite Dane Swan, it was Carlton legend Chris Judd who took out the medal with many surprises.

Chris Judd, Carlton Midfielder: “I don’t think anyone comes to these things expecting to win but sometimes you come expecting not to win and that was me tonight.”

Judd’s fiancee also shared his doubt.

Rebecca Twigley, Judd’s Fiancee: “I did think he had no hope, I thought maybe top 4, top 3 at best, so I was really surprised.”

However his coach was one of the few who wasn’t too surprised by the night’s outcome.

Brett Ratten, Carlton Coach: “I think with his brilliance and the way he wins the ball I think he catches the umpire’s eye.”

Upon receiving the medal, Judd was greeted to the podium with special praise from distinguished 1991 winner Jim Stynes.

Tom Kojrowicz QUT News.