Brownlow Medal 2026 recap: Nick Daicos wins first Brownlow Medal with 47 votes
History has been made as Nick Daicos finally took home the Brownlow Medal. Recap all the action from the count and the red carpet here.
AFL: The country’s best football players and their partners descended on Melbourne for the AFL’s night of nights on Monday.
Brownlow favourite Nick Daicos was the centre of attention, with all eyes on the Collingwood star and his partner Arlette Armor ahead of his historic night.
Nick’s brother Josh will also attract attention, as fans waited to see what his fiancee and notable queen of the Brownlow, Annalise Dalins, was wearing.
AFL heartthrob Bailey Smith was late, fresh out of a shoulder reconstructive surgery, while Fremantle Dockers and Brisbane Lions players attended virtually, as both teams prepare for their Grand Final appearance on Saturday.
Notably, the five Sydney Swans players who were stood down by their club after the Pullman Hotel saga were not in attendance, including Isaac Heeney who is under police investigation for sexual assault, as well as Chad Warner and Nick Blakey.
Key events
21 Sep 2026 - 09:13 PM
Eagles and Dockers
21 Sep 2026 - 08:57 PM
Brownlow top 10
21 Sep 2026 - 08:30 PM
Your winner!
21 Sep 2026 - 07:48 PM
Leaderboard after Round 15
21 Sep 2026 - 07:39 PM
Jim Stynes Community Award
21 Sep 2026 - 07:24 PM
Promises, promises
21 Sep 2026 - 06:30 PM
Leaderboard after round 5
21 Sep 2026 - 06:07 PM
Bailey Smith makes it to the Brownlow ceremony in the nick of time
21 Sep 2026 - 05:57 PM
Bailey Smith is running late
21 Sep 2026 - 05:34 PM
Hard to look away from Andy and Lizzie Brayshaw
21 Sep 2026 - 05:10 PM
Luke Jackson and partner Kelsey Browne are couple goals at Crown Perth
21 Sep 2026 - 04:49 PM
Bella Petracca sparkles in baby bump pics
21 Sep 2026 - 04:31 PM
Hawthorn co-captain James Sicily arrives after massive umpire abuse fine
21 Sep 2026 - 04:23 PM
Richo, Abbey Holmes arrive on red carpet
21 Sep 2026 - 04:03 PM
Medal favourite Nick Daicos, Arlette Amor post sneak peak
21 Sep 2026 - 03:48 PM
FIRST ARRIVALS: Rory Lobb and wife Lexi Lobb arrive on red carpet
AFL Presenter and Reporter Bec Maddern arrives on the red carpet
Chief Sports Reporter for Seven News Melbourne Rebecca Maddern has arrived on the Brownlow red carpet.
The footy presenter is sparkling in a low cut, form-fitting black gown, paired with a voluminous slicked back hairstyle.
Lachie Ash and Eliza Spinks share stunning pictures ahead of footy’s biggest night
GWS Giants player Lachie Ash and his partner Eliza Spinks have shared stunning portraits together ahead of their appearance on the Brownlow red carpet.
Ms Spinks stands out in an olive drop-waist gown with a fit and flare silhouette.
The gown was designed by Sydney-based couturier Nicky Apostolopoulos of Velani.
The rich duchess satin compliments the 35 carats of Temelli Jewellery diamonds that adorn Ms Spinks’ neck.
FIRST ARRIVALS: Rory Lobb and wife Lexi Lobb arrive on red carpet
Western Bulldogs defender Rory Lobb and his wife Lexi have arrived on the red carpet at Crown Melbourne.
Lexi is adorned in what appears to be a mauve gown, adorned with dramatic black tulle and a black feather train.
Her gown was designed by Melbourne couture house Con Ilio.
‘Queen of the Brownlow’ Annalise Dalins shows off her look ahead of the red carpet
Josh Daicos’ partner Annalise Dalins has taken to Instagram to hard launch her Brownlow 2026 look ahead of the power couple’s red carpet appearance.
Ms Dalins is wearing a black custom couture gown by Alin Le’ Kal, a Melbourne-based brand.
The dress feautures a bustier-style bodice and floor-length sheer tulle skirt.
Partner Josh shared a selfie of the couple to his Instagram story in preparation for the night.
His brother and fellow Collingwood player Nick Daicos is the favourite to take home the medal tonight.
