In theory, the Brownlow awards are all about naming the AFL’s best and fairest player.

But the real champions of the night are the wives and girlfriends and their red carpet fashions.

Carolina Otero reports.

TRANSCRIPT

This year’s Brownlow red carpet oozed old Hollywood glamour with most WAGS opting for classic looks.

Ivories, whites and black gowns were popular with a few trendy pieces, like peplums and bold colours, also making their way onto the red carpet.

Another trend was baby-bumps, with Renee Enright and Kylie Brown both donning form-fitting gowns at the late stage of their pregnancies.

Red carpet veteran Rebecca Judd looked right at home in a futuristic meets Greek goddess gown by Toni Maticevski.

While rookie Belinda Rivers was stunning in a curve-hugging scarlet dress.

Trent Cotchin didn’t win the medal last night, but his girlfriend Brooke Kennedy gets a best-dressed accolade for her gorgeous hand-sculpted gown.

Brooke Kennedy, Trent Cotchin’s Partner: “It’s a silk chiffon hand-woven gown, so she actually, the whole top bodice bit is all hand woven.”

And now for the misses.

Brownlow red-carpet favourite Brynne Edelsten didn’t disappoint with a unique creation picked two hours before the event.

Brynne Edelsten, Socialite: “This is one of my friend Dan’s creations and he basically describes it as mirror ball barbie meets Black Swan.”

Jessica McNamee’s choice of a shimmery peplum number also earned her a place as one of the worst dressed of the night.

Red carpet aside, the real business of the night was naming the Brownlow winner.

Brownlow Awards MC: “I declare the winner of the 2012 Brownlow Medal Jobe Watson of the Essendon Football Club.”

Carolina Otero, QUT News.