Dressed and fairest: Proof the Brownlow is about the WAGs, not the players – as behind-the-scenes photos show what REALLY goes on at footy's night of nights
- The AFL's Brownlow Medal Count 2019 kicked off in Melbourne on Monday night
- The prestigious awards show is the biggest night in the AFL social calendar
- But the WAGs stole the show with sports stars left holding their designer dresses
- Backstage guests were spotted looking bored and eager to head home
- Stars like Nadia Bartel, Jessie Murphy and Jane Bunn walked the red carpet
- Hours of prep and styling went into the ladies' glamorous ensembles
The Brownlow Medal is the biggest night on the AFL's social calendar, celebrating the achievements of Australia's best football talent.
But all eyes are on the players' wives and girlfriends - with the millionaire footballers coming a distant second to their partners on the red carpet.
Behind-the-scenes photos from the night show star players holding their partners' designer dresses to ensure they looked their best before the cameras at Melbourne's Crown Palladium.
The glitz and glamour fades away when it comes to the actual medal count - which goes for three hours - and weary guests were spotted looking bored and impatient at empty bars elsewhere in the casino.
Brisbane Lions star Lachie Neale fanned the train of his wife Julie's lilac gown on the red carpet
Geelong vice-captain Patrick Dangerfield let his wife Mardi take centre stage in front of the cameras
Bored WAGS, dressing gowns in the hotel lobby and overworked glam squads: The not so glamorous side of the Brownlows has been revealed. AFL's night of all nights was held at Melbourne's Crown Palladium on Monday night. Pictured: Two guests
Not ready yet: Getting ready for the big event meant hardworking glam squads were left exhausted, and half-dressed guests were seen milling about the lobby
Brisbane Lions star husband Lachie Neale gave his wife Julie a helping hand by fanning the train of her lilac gown while photographers snapped away.
Julie's romantic off-the-shoulder gown was created by Melbourne designer Georgia Young, who supplied a record seven dresses for the event.
Geelong vice-captain Patrick Dangerfield's wife Mardi wore a burgundy Georgia Young look.
WAG Emma Hawkins shared the not-so-glamorous reality of her Brownlow Medal preparations as she and husband Tom wrangled their children in hilarious Instagram snap
The President of the AFL Player's Association stood behind his lady to ensure her burgundy mermaid-tailed frock sat perfectly for the cameras
Patrick let his lady take centre stage, standing behind her to ensure her mermaid-tailed frock sat perfectly for the cameras.
Demons player Clayton Oliver was barely visible behind the swathes of his partner Sophie Harmer's bubblegum hued gown.
Zach Merrett of the Bombers looked more production assistant than sports star as he arranged the flowing fabric of girlfriend Alexandra Bourne's fairy tale dress.
Patrick Cripps of the Blues literally ducked down to avoid ruining his partner Monnique Fontana's shot, fixing her embellished emerald dress as he went.
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Demons player Clayton Oliver was barely visible behind the swathes of his partner Sophie Harmer's bubblegum hued gown
Zach Merrett of the Bombers looked more production assistant than sports star as he arranged the flowing fabric of his girlfriend's dress
Blues player Patrick Cripps literally ducked down to avoid ruining his partner Monnique Fontana's shot
Despite the glitz and glamour front of house, a peek behind the scenes revealed not all that glitters is gold.
With the red carpet out of the way, some WAGs found themselves at a loose end while their sports star partners were busy with fans.
Dressed in a plunging white gown, Rachael Wertheim looked like her patience was wearing thin as her partner Brodie Grundy mingled.
WAG Rachael Wertheim looked like her patience was wearing thin as she loitered by the stairs for her sports star partner Brodie Grundy (right)
Dressed up and ready for bed? Some were left looking weary despite their glam outfits
The beauty waited by the elevator looking a tad strained as the Collingwood player entertained a handful of adoring fans.
Other female guests could be seen sitting on stools in what looked like a largely empty bar, entertaining themselves.
Getting ready for the big event meant hardworking glam squads were left exhausted, and half-dressed guests were seen milling about the lobby.
Female guests could be seen sitting on stools in what looked like a largely empty bar, entertaining themselves
Nadia Bartel (left) wowed in an ice blue gown from Jaton Couture, while Jessie Murphy (right) opted for a dress by Oglialoro Couture
One brunette, wearing hotel slippers and a white gown with only her hair done, was seen wandering around the casino entrance at 5pm, hours ahead of the event.
Guests and production assistants were seen leaving the event laden down with tote bags, looking weary despite their glamorous outfits.
Perhaps the biggest diva on the night was Seven weather presenter Jane Bunn, who was spotted being tended to by two makeup artists.
Seven weather presenter Jane Bunn was spotted being tended to by two makeup artists
She even had people stepping aside to avoid walking through her hairspray fumes.
Jane also had an assistant take photos of her on her phone while on the red carpet, for a good five minutes.
The TV star - who turned heads in a plunging white dress - was reporting for Seven from the carpet.
