Brownlow Medal 2026 red carpet LIVE updates: What to expect from AFL’s most fashionable event

3.21pmFrom cringe to couture: How Brownlow fashion found its wayBy Courtney ThompsonWhen 21-year-old Caitlin Cameron found out she’d be attending her first Brownlow Medal in 2020, she had a week to find a dress.Cameron had only been dating Brisbane Lions player Charlie Cameron for nine months and was still a university student at the time. She’d never attended an event of that magnitude, let alone had a stylist or couturier on speed dial.“I raced out to James Street in Brisbane with my mum and just bought something off the rack,” says Cameron, now 28 years old and married to Charlie. She wore a Michelle Mason black one-shoulder silk-satin gown with a crystal-embellished trim. “I love it, but it was definitely the fanciest thing I owned at the time.”Caitlin Cameron wears a Zian Couture gown.Eddie JimCameron with Melbourne-based couturier Zian Assaad.Eddie Jim3.13pmMelbourne gears up for AFL’s night of nightsBy Gemma GrantCrown Towers is already bustling ahead of tonight’s Brownlow Medal ceremony, as the players, WAGs and footy-loving Melburnians gear up for AFL’s night of nights.There are fans galore in the foyer, with plenty of kids in their team’s guernseys eager to catch a glimpse of their favourite players as they make their way upstairs to get ready. On the floors above, it’s all systems go for players and their partners as they begin getting glammed up.Many a full-forward, midfielder or retired legend have already been spotted walking around the hallways of the hotel, most wearing hoodies but holding a freshly dry-cleaned shirt. But it’ll be a few hours before we see any of the outfits – there’s a strict no-posting rule until they officially debut on the red carpet.3.11pmBehind the scenes, the styling suites are buzzing as per usualBy Hannah HammoudThe Age has stepped inside the organised chaos of stylist Bianca Rose’s Crown Towers suite. This is the engine room where the glam and the gowns come together before AFL players and their partners hit the red carpet.With flowing champagne and a soundtrack of hits from the Pussycat Dolls, the preparation is in full swing. While the final looks remain strictly under wraps for now, stay tuned as we bring you live, behind-the-scenes coverage from the suites to the red carpet before the vote count begins.3.01pmHello and welcome to the Brownlow red carpetBy Gyan YankovichGood afternoon and happy Brownlow Medal day to all those who celebrate.I’m Gyan Yankovich, and I’ll be hosting today’s red carpet coverage along with deputy lifestyle editor Courtney Thompson, who will be reporting on all the best looks from the big event. Reporter Abby Seaman will be making sure you don’t miss any dazzling outfits, while Hannah Kennelly, Hannah Hammond, Gemma Grant and CBD columnist Fiona Byrne will be reporting live from the red carpet at Melbourne’s Crown Palladium.We will be handing over to another blog for the Brownlow Medal vote count later this evening. But until then, strap in – there will be some great red carpet looks coming your way, I’m sure.1 of 1