See Every Head-Turning Look On The 2026 Brownlow Red Carpet

THE RUNDOWN

The Brownlow Medal was held Monday, September 21, 2026 at the Crown Palladium in Melbourne.
The ceremony named after Charles Brownlow celebrates the players voted “best and fairest” in their season.
While a sporting ceremony, the Brownlow has become famous for its red carpet and a platform for Australian couture houses thanks to the influential “WAGs” (wives and girlfriends) of its nominees.

The 2026 Brownlow Medal red carpet is in motion. Do you remember where you were when Bec Judd — then Rebecca Twigley — walked into the 2004 event wearing that legendary, belly-button-piercing-baring, jewel-embellished red Ruth Tarvydas gown? I certainly do, and I remember my mum’s exact reaction when I announced I wanted one just like it for my school formal (which at the time felt as far off as my wedding day).

This is why forces beyond my comprehension lure me back to the Brownlow Medal red carpet every year. Sure, it’s not the Met Gala or the VMAs, but if you like your dresses naked, backless, or utterly drenched in glitter, and your celebrities local, its the ultimate event in the Australian calendar.

The 2026 Brownlow Medal red carpet is taking place at the Crown Palladium in Melbourne, and while we have yet to see a look quite as culturally seismic as Judd’s double-sided-tape miracle, there are already plenty of head-turning choices hitting the carpet and some genuine Australian couture moments to be enjoyed.

Image: Rebecca Twigley and Chris Judd of the West Coast Eagles arrive for the Brownlow Medal Dinner at the Crown Casino, on September 20, 2004 in Melbourne, Australia.

For those outside the Australian Rules Football universe asking what on earth the Brownlow actually is: it’s the AFL’s highest individual honour. Officially named the Charles Brownlow Trophy, it gets awarded to the player voted “fairest and best” throughout the regular home-and-away season by the field umpires after every single match. But while the players care about the votes, the rest of us are strictly here for the high-fashion spectacle preceding the count.

Over the decades, the event has delivered iconic fashion lore — from Brynne Edelsten’s famously extravagant, bedazzled creations to Judd and her ilks high risk (and high reward
) looks. Tonight, the stars, partners, and football royalty are lining up for their photos, so let’s dive into who has arrived and who understood the assignment. Each year at least one attendee tries to emulate Judd’s backbone baring look and this year I’m happy to report its Timnah Poratt. But, before handing out fashion medals lets see who else is bringing it on the 2026 Brownlow red carpet tonight.