Dally M red carpet hits and misses

The 2014 Dally M red carpet fashion hits and misses.

Jodi Anasta and retired West Tigers star Braith Anasta set the standard on the red carpet at the Dally M awards.

Fox Sports' Matt Russell runs through the frontrunners for the 2014 Dally M Awards.

Johnathan Thurston is the red-hot favourite for the 2014 Dally M Medal, but if anyone is to catch him, the experts are tipping it will be Jarryd Hayne, who has an outstanding year at fullback for the Parramatta Eels.

Lara Pitt at the 2014 Dally M Awards at The Star in Pyrmont. Picture: Richard Dobson Source: News Corp Australia

THE NRL's night of nights, the Dally M Awards, has shaken and stirred The Star in Sydney.

It's the one night of the year when the rugby league WAGs get to outsparkle and outdazzle their other halves and, as always, all eyes were on who wore what on that ruby rug.

The wives and girlfriends of our NRL stars were primping and preening all afternoon at The Darling Hotel to ensure they were red-carpet ready in time.

MORE: Who took out the Dally M Medal for 2014?

This year's annual player awards night boasts a star-studded list of guests and presenters including Olympic and Commonwealth champion hurdler Sally Pearson and Aussie swimming champs Cate and Bronte Campbell.

Stay tuned for all of the glitz and glamour from the 2014 red carpet below.

Queen WAG and fashion favourite Terry Biviano has arrived. The 39-year-old shoe designer descended upon The Star with husband of two years Anthony Minichiello, captain of the Sydney Roosters who ended his record-breaking 302 game career at ANZ Stadium on Friday night.

Terry Biviano and Anthony Minichiello at the 2014 Dally M Awards. Source: News Corp Australia

Never one to shy away from making a bold fashion statement, Biviano stunned in a revealing, white Pallas Couture gown that featured plenty of cut-outs. "It is definitely easier to not have to dress the bump," she told Confidential, referring to last year's event where she was pregnant with her first child.

"This year my dress is a bit more full-on. It is really modern, sexy and sleek. We are pushing the boundaries. Actually I'm a little scared."

Paying tribute to her husband's 14 years as a professional NRL player, she said: "The star attraction this year is going to be my husband.

"It's not only an opportunity to celebrate the great year he and his team have had but it's also a time to celebrate his amazing career.

"It will be the last Dally M's, but all good things must come to an end."

Terry Biviano makes a splash in laser cut lace and Anthony Minichiello reflects on retirement.

Terry Biviano had this Pallas Couture gown designed for the Dally M Awards. Source: News Corp Australia

Instead of a long flowing frock, Jessica Mauboy opted for a white, strapless Steven Khalil number.

"I'm such a big fan of this game, my heart has always been with it, so I will be roaming the room to say hi to as many players as I can," she said ahead of the event.

Jess Mauboy chats to Confidential's Jonathon Moran at the Dally M awards.

Jessica Mauboy looked stunning in this fun, flirty Steven Khalil cocktail dress. Source: News Corp Australia

Jodi Anasta, former Home and Away star and wife of former Wests Tigers player Braith Anasta, arrived wearing local designer J'Aton Couture.

Jodi Anasta at the 2014 Dally M Awards. Source: News Corp Australia

The mum-of-one hit the red carpet with her footballer husband wearing the floor-length, pearl beaded gown with plunging neckline and thigh high split.

"It will be (Braith's) last awards because of his retirement so it will be a big night for us," the 29-year-old told Confidential ahead of the evening.

The glittery frock was a total winner, and quite unlike anything else that was donned this year.

Jodi and Braith Anasta arrive at the 2014 Dally M Awards. Source: News Corp Australia

Erin Molan. Source: News Corp Australia

Belinda Bartholomew. Source: News Corp Australia

Greg Bird and Becky Rochow. Source: News Corp Australia

Corey and Maraux Parker. Source: News Corp Australia

Bachelor lovebirds Tim Robards and Anna Heinrich turned up. Heinrich was wearing a deep red, off-the-shoulder Jennifer Regan gown with matching red lippy and statement earrings.

2013 Bachelor Tim Robards and Anna Heinrich chat to Briana on the red carpet.

Tim Robards and Anna Heinrich. Source: Getty Images

South Sydney Rabbitohs player Sam Burgess arrived with new girlfriend Phoebe Hooke, who wore a full-length, white gown with one sleeve.

Lara Pitt, who is currently six months pregnant, wore an elegant, black floor-length gown which she teamed with a chunky statement necklace. The Fox Sports personality will be front and centre on the red carpet, conducting interviews with Matty Johns.

Rabbitoh's star Sam Burgess says girlfriend Phoebe Hook will join him for the start of his new Rugby Union career in England

Lara Pitt. Source: News Corp Australia

Sam Burgess and Phoebe Hooke. Source: News Corp Australia

Channel 7 news reporter Samantha Brett. Source: News Corp Australia

Channel 9 sports presenter Yvonne Sampson. Source: News Corp Australia

Grand final-bound halfback Trent Hodkinson arrived with his partner of five years, Chantelle Traficante.

"It's nice for him to be recognised for the wonderful year he has had and everything he has gone through to get there so it's a nice reward," Traficante said of her fiance's massive 2014 season.

Lisa Wilkinson chats to Confidential's Jonathon Moran on the Dally M red carpet how she loves being a WAG

Trent Hodkinson and Chantelle Traficante. Source: News Corp Australia

Carley and Gareth Widdop. Source: News Corp Australia

Aidan Guerra and Belinda Bartholomew with Jacqui and Wally Lewis. Source: News Corp Australia

Kurt and Brooke Gidley. Source: News Corp Australia

Lisa Wilkinson. Source: News Corp Australia

Johnathan Thurston and Jarryd Hayne. Source: News Corp Australia

South Sydney's Dylan Walker. Source: News Corp Australia

Brett and Kate Morris. Source: News Corp Australia

Ortenzia Borre. Source: News Corp Australia

Ben Hunt and Bridgette Hagan. Source: News Corp Australia

Jade Albany. Source: News Corp Australia

The Bondi Rescue crew. Source: News Corp Australia

South Sydney superstar Greg Inglis and his wife Sally were looking sharp, while Dally M Medal hot favourite Jonathan Thurston and his partner Samantha Lynch opted for matching black.

Jonathan Thurston and Samantha Lynch. Source: News Corp Australia

Greg and Sally Inglis. Source: News Corp Australia

Retired league star and television personality Beau Ryan and his wife Kara looked glam as they posed for photos together.

Beau Ryan and Kara Ryan. Source: News Corp Australia

Kara Ryan. Source: News Corp Australia

John Sutton and Stacey Shumack. Source: News Corp Australia

Georgia Toovey and Geoff Toovey. Source: News Corp Australia

Jess Yates. Source: News Corp Australia

Louise Ransome. Source: News Corp Australia

Nathan Hindmarsh, Lara Pitt, Gordon Tallis, Brian Fletcher and Matthew Johns. Source: News Corp Australia

Jess Fox and Cate and Bronte Campbell. Source: News Corp Australia

Sally Pearson. Source: News Corp Australia

Megan Barnard. Source: News Corp Australia

Tara Rushton. Source: News Corp Australia

Tony Squires and Mark Bosnich. Source: News Corp Australia

Kel Underwood. Source: News Corp Australia

Which Dally M frock is your favourite? Share with us below.

23.19 | 0 komentar | Read More

ISIS the building company mistaken for terrorists

What's it like to live under the rule of the extremist group known as the Islamic State, or ISIS? WSJ looks at the situation in Raqqa, Syria, through the eyes of two activists and through the lens of ISIS propaganda videos.

Not terrorists — an ISIS Group Australia sign on a building site at Waymouth St, Adelaide. Picture: Stephen Laffer Source: News Limited

Yes, terrorists — Islamic State fighters in a documentary. Source: No Source

A NATIONAL construction company could be forced to change its name of 25 years because staff members are being abused as "terrorists".

ISIS Group Australia — an Australian company that has specialised in commercial office fit-outs and refurbishments since 1989 — has been forced to scale back signage on worksites and asked workers to not wear uniforms branded with the company name.

It comes as a Sydney family has been urged to change the name of their eight-year-old girl, whose name is Isis.

In recent weeks, site workers have been abused as "terrorists" by passers-by and angry messages have been left on the company's office line.

"Hey you terrorist bastards, I hope you bastards all die in Iraq, you terrorist al-Qaeda bastards, you ISIS pieces of s**t," one message said.

ISIS chief executive Michael Barnes said he was upset that "ill-informed members of the public" had mistaken the company for the terrorist group wreaking havoc in the Middle East.

The terrorist group previously went by the acronym ISIS — or Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham — but is also variously known as ISIL and IS.

Mr Barnes said the company took the safety of its workers and subcontractors "very seriously".

"In recent weeks we have instructed our workers to stop wearing ISIS-branded clothing and are also in the process of scaling back on-site branding to limit attention from misinformed people and ensure the safety of our employees," Mr Barnes said.

"We are upset that what we stand for is becoming eroded by the Islamic State."

Mr Barnes said it was possible the company may be forced to change its name if the abuse did not stop.

"We will continue to monitor how our clients, staff, consultants and subcontractors feel about perceptions around our name and react accordingly," he said.

Marketing specialist and associate director of the Ehrenberg-Bass Institute, Associate Professor Rachel Kennedy, said the confusion could ironically present an opportunity for the company.

"Use it as a talking point — it's really hard for companies to get their brands noticed at all, so they could say 'yeah, it's crazy isn't it, but we're just furniture fitout specialists'," Prof Kennedy said.

"It's not a situation that you would ever intentionally put yourself in, but getting your brand noticed at all is a hard task, so build up the link between the brand and the work you do."

Prof Kennedy said she believed very few people would form the link between the terror group and company, and urged its chiefs to hold firm against a name change.

"Some people don't think that much and it would be a tiny few that are making that connection out of context," she said.

The terrorist group once known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is now seen as the most dangerous extremist group in the world.

"Their buyers are likely to be able to differentiate in the context of when they're looking for someone to do a fitout versus the terrorist organisation."

The ISIS Group employs more than 300 staff, with offices in every state and territory and a turnover of more than $500 million a year.

Originally published as ISIS the building company mistaken for terrorists

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X Factor’s Jason fails to make cut

It's over ... Jason Heerah has been eliminated from The X Factor. Source: Supplied

DELIVERING a near-perfect performance wasn't enough to save The X Factor hopeful Jason Heerah from being sent home tonight.

The powerhouse Melbourne singer's rendition of Guy Sebastian's hit Like It Like That on Sunday was one of the few performances during homegrown Australian classics night that had the superstar judges in agreement on its strength.

But when the bottom two acts came down to Heerah and competition favourite Reigan Deery, it presented an impossible decision.

Tough ... Jason Heerah's stunning rendition of a Guy Sebastian hit wasn't enough to save him from elimination. Source: Supplied

The shock public voting result saw both performers forced to sing again to save themselves.

"This is unbelievable," their coach Redfoo said after the result. "This is what happens if people at home don't vote."

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Their last-ditch efforts were hard to fault and the four judges were deadlocked, meaning the decision reverted to the original public vote.

Competition ... X Factor contestants Rochelle Pitt, Reigan Derry and Jason Heerah. Source: News Corp Australia

In the end, it was 31-year-old Heerah who was eliminated.

"He's worked so hard – he's amazing," Redfoo said.

It was a night of highs and lows for the remaining six acts, who began the show with an energetic group number with breakout pop-indie trio AJR of their single Are You Ready.

Sister act ... The Veronicas wowed the X Factor audience. Picture: Richard Dobson Source: News Corp Australia

Comeback queens The Veronicas then owned the auditorium with their performance of number one single You Ruin Me, while Brit singer Ed Sheeran was a crowd-pleaser.

There were more than a few tears when Heerah was farewelled though.

There are now five acts left who will battle it out for a recording deal with Sony Music.

23.19 | 0 komentar | Read More

What's this? Assange is out?

There he is ... Julian Assange and Eugene Jarecki appear on stage together. Picture: Vimeo. Source: Supplied

JULIAN Assange can't leave the Ecuadorean Embassy without being arrested. So many were left rubbing their eyes when he appeared at a US conference.

However the WikiLeaks founder was following in the footsteps of others like Tupac and Michael Jackson by appearing in the form of a hologram.

Back from the dead ... Snoop Dogg and Tupac appear on stage together in 2012. Picture: Supplied. Source: Supplied

That meant the 43-year-old could appear at the Nantucket Project conference in Massachusetts and not end up in handcuffs.

It was arranged by British billionaire Alki David, whose company Hologram USA specialises in the sort of technology that saw Assange take the stage next to documentary filmmaker Eugene Jarecki.

Assange has been living in the Ecuadorean Embassy since 2012 amid fears he would be extradited to Sweden to answer sexual assault charges.

The Australian whistleblower used his appearance at the conference to slam promote his new book and slam Google's privacy policies.

Assange's book When Google Met WikiLeaks is set to be released this week.

Assange's appearance via hologram is not the first time such technology has been used at events.

In 2012, Tupac appeared at Coachella, when Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg performed with the late rapper on stage.

Not really there ... Michael Jackson at the Billboard Music Awards in 2014. Picture: Supplied. Source: Supplied

Earlier this year Michael Jackson appeared on stage at the Billboard Music Awards, also via hologram.

23.19 | 0 komentar | Read More

Baby Gammy’s financial windfall

An overstretched team and lack of information has been blamed for the poor handling of the baby Gammy case.

Caring for him ... Thai surrogate mother Pattaramon Chanbua with Gammy. Picture: AP. Source: AAP

BABY Gammy's surrogate mother and her impoverished Thai family will receive $240,000 from an Australian charity for his long-term care.

Hands Across the Water will buy Pattaramon "Goy" Chanbua a three-bedroom apartment and deliver her generous monthly payments, so she can care full-time for the baby, who has Down syndrome, and not have to seek full-time work.

So much love ... Pattarmon Chanuba says she is glad she kept Gammy. Source: Supplied

Money from the fund will also provide for Gammy's education, medical and therapeutic care until he reaches adulthood, the Sydney-based charity's founder Peter Baines told News Corp Australia.

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Six-thousand donors from across the world poured $240,000 into an online fund for Gammy — the biological child of convicted Australian paedophile David Farnell who, with wife Wendy, took only his healthy twin Pipah home to Western Australia.

Abandoned baby ... David and Wendy Farnell took Gammy's twin Pipah home to Western Australia. Source: Channel 9

Hands Across the Waters — which has raised and distributed over $10 million in the past nine years to help children in Thailand — broke the good news to Ms Pattarmon and her family in person.

"I would like to thank the people who made donation for Gammy" Ms Pattaramon, who has a has a husband and two other children, told News Corp Australia

A three bedroom apartment in Chon Buri will be purchased in trust at a cost of about $130,000 to $140,000.

Cash boost ... money from the fund will also provide for Gammy's education, medical and therapeutic care. Picture: AFP. Source: AFP

Ms Pattaramon will be paid a monthly stipend of 15,000 baht ($530).

It will not be until Gammy is between seven to ten years of age before doctors can determine his intellectual capacity and ability to care for himself, according to Down syndrome specialists in Australia and Thailand.

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Gammy's primary health care will take place at the privately owned Simitivej Siracha Hospital in Chonburi and his Down syndrome care at Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok's oldest, attached to one of the Thailand's top Universties Mahidol.

Precious child ... the privately owned Simitivej Siracha Hospital will ensure baby Gammy is well looked after. Picture: Patrick Brown. Source: Supplied

Before deciding to become surrogate, Ms Pattaramon was working in a local factory.

"The basic pay is 9,000 a month but you can earn up to 11,000 baht with overtime," she said, noting the charity's money will go a long way.

Ms Pattaramon said it was also her intention to seek Australian citizenship for Gammy. "I heard the government has offered this but no one has been in touch with me about it. I want to get him Australian citizenship in case he needs more medical treatment and if anything happens to me."

Mr Baines said that Thailand had excellent health care facilities and said could "not envisage a situation" where Gammy would live anywhere but Thailand.

Future plans ... Pattaramon Chanbua said it was also her intention to seek Australian citizenship for Gammy. Picture: Patrick Brown. Source: Supplied

Ms Pattaramon, who claims to have been urged to abort both babies seven months into her pregnancy, says she is glad she kept Gammy.

"They were going to inject him and kill him and then I would deliver both babies, she said. Following the birth, she said the Farnell's had offered to take him to Australia and place him in an orphanage to avoid paying her extra money.

"They told me they were too old to look after him," she said.

The Farnells, who could not be reached for comment, have previously denied they asked to have any abortions performed.

Originally published as Baby Gammy's financial windfall

23.19 | 0 komentar | Read More

The Donald ‘Trumped’ by horror tweet

Tricked ... Donald Trump retweeted a picture of Fred and Rosemary West believing it was a Twitter user's parents. Picture: AP Photo/Richard Drew, File. Source: AP

BILLIONAIRE businessman Donald Trump is known for his social media mishaps but this latest one has the internet laughing at how easily he was fooled.

One of his Twitter followers @Feckhead sent Trump a message asking him to retweet it in honour of his deceased parents.

"My parents who passed away always said you were big inspiration," @Feckhead wrote.

"Can you pls RT for their memory?"

Trump did as he was asked but one has to wonder how long he spent looking at the picture of @Feckhead's "parents".

If you don't recognise their faces they are of course Fred and Rosemary West, the so-called "House of Horrors" serial killers who tortured and raped many women in the UK before murdering at least 11 of them.

Serial killers ... Fred and Rosemary West killed at least 11 women. Picture: AP Photo/PA/Files. Source: AP

Fred West hanged himself in 1995, while Rosemary West, who is now 60, remains in prison.

The prank on Trump was orchestrated by comedian Philip Bradbury, who is yet to reveal why he targeted Trump.

The businessman has not taken too kindly to ending up with egg on his face, taking to Twitter to voice his anger.

It was only last month that Trump courted controversy on social media when he said that US Ebola doctors shouldn't be allowed back into America to receive treatment.

"The US cannot allow EBOLA infected people back. People that go to far away places to help out are great-but must suffer the consequences!" he wrote

Prankster ... Philip Bradbury made the internet laugh at Donald Trump. Picture: Twitter. Source: Supplied

The internet exploded with applause for Bradbury, with many shaking their heads at how easily Trump was fooled in this latest social media gaffe.

23.19 | 0 komentar | Read More

$340 for a flight to nowhere?

The Pan Am Experience gives passengers the chance to step back in time. Picture: Michael Kelley/Air Hollywood Source: Supplied

FANCY a blast from the past that involves spending $340 to sit on a movie set and pretend you're flying in a 1970s Pan Am jet?

Then The Pan Am Experience is your dream come true. Set in the Air Hollywood film studio in Los Angeles, this unique dining concept has opened for business aboard a recreated Pan Am 747.

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Flight attendants in original 1970s Pan Am uniforms. Picture: Michael Kelley/Air Hollywood Source: Supplied

In first class, vintage-clad flight attendants serve passengers a four-course meal from trolleys on original Pan Am china. The menu includes a prawn and crabmeat cocktail, chateaubriand and a fruit and cheese trolley for dessert.

"Everything from the china to the glassware is authentic with careful attention to the exquisite service delivery of the era and menu offerings of Pan Am," announces the Pan Am Experience website.

HIGH-FLYERS: How first-class came of age

The main deck of The Pan Am Experience. Picture: Michael Kelley/Air Hollywood Source: Supplied

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The Pan Am experience starts on the main deck with cocktail hour, where guests can explore and mingle throughout the cabin. Then "passengers" sit back and enjoy a movie in an original Pan Am Sleeperette seat (for Main Deck passengers) or Upper Deck Lounge seats (for Upper Deck passengers).

Later comes the dinner service, followed by a viewing of a vast collection of airline memorabilia amassed by Anthony Toth, a United Airlines sales executive who owns the largest collection of Pan Am memorabilia in the world and has partnered with Air Hollywood to share his treasures with the public.

First class travel through the ages

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‘Qatar won’t host World Cup’

FIFA official Theo Zwanziger says Qatar will not host the World Cup. Picture: Supplied Source: AFP

QATAR will not host the World Cup in 2022 because of scorching temperatures, a top FIFA official says.

"I think that at the end of the day the 2022 World Cup will not take place in Qatar," Theo Zwanziger, a German member of FIFA, said in an interview with Sport Bild Plus.

The former head of the German football federation (DFB) cited high summer temperatures as the reason Qatar would lose the right to host football's global showpiece.

"As Mr Zwanziger himself says, it's his personal opinion," a FIFA spokesman responded to AFP subsidiary SID when asked about the German's statement.

Zwanziger said: "Doctors say, and I had insisted on this point in the protocol, that they cannot guarantee that a World Cup can be held in summer in these conditions."

While Qatar has reportedly developed stadium cooling systems, Mr Zwanziger said "the World Cup involves not only stadiums. There are fans coming from the four corners of the world who will be concerned by the heat".

"The first incident putting a life in danger will be subject to an investigation. And that, nobody in the FIFA Executive Committee would want to reply to."

Qatar presented this model of its Al-Rayyan stadium in its bid for the FIFA 2022 World Cup. Picture: AP/Osama Faisal Source: AP

But in an interview with Die Welt newspaper, Hassan al-Thawadi, secretary-general of the Qatar 2022 organising committee, declared himself "sure that the 2022 World Cup would take place in Qatar".

"No, I'm not worried. Firstly because there's no basis to lose the World Cup," he said.

"And secondly because it's the first World Cup in the Middle East.

"When people think of this region, it's rather in terms of conflict. The World Cup will be an occasion to unite peoples. It will leave a positive heritage."

Controversy has plagued FIFA's awarding of the World Cup to Qatar in 2010, with summer temperatures in the Gulf emirate reaching the upper-40s Celsius.

The idea of switching the World Cup to cooler winter months does not sit comfortably with all officials of Europe's big leagues.

FIFA inspectors tour a stadium in Doha as part of Qatar's 2022 World Cup bid. Picture: AFP Source: AFP

Gas-rich Qatar has also come under the spotlight over foreign workers' rights as well as accusations that corruption played a part in winning the right to host the World Cup.

Britain's Sunday Times newspaper has alleged that former Qatari football boss Mohamed Bin Hammam paid more than $US5 million ($5.6 million) to gain support for the emirate ahead of the vote.

Qatar has strongly denied the allegations.

FIFA's ethic committee is to announce in early 2015 the results of its investigation into the attribution of not only the 2022 World Cup to Qatar, but also the 2018 edition to Russia.

Originally published as 'Qatar won't host World Cup'

23.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

Brownlow LIVE: Eagle in shock win

Matt Priddis seals the Brownlow Medal in round 23, with a total of 26 votes.

Matt Priddis and the Brownlow Medal. Source: Getty Images

A DECADE after being overlooked in four drafts, West Coast midfielder Matt Priddis has won the 2014 Brownlow Medallist.

Priddis slowly worked his way up the leaderboard as the focus remained on runaway leader Gary Ablett and his pursuers, led by Geelong captain Joel Selwood and Sydney onballer Josh Kennedy.

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The first former rookie to win the medal polled 26 votes, one ahead of ineligible Docker Nat Fyfe. He was a notable omission from this year's All-Australian team after making the 40-player long list.

The curly-haired midfielder, a former surf lifesaver, found himself in the lead - due to Fyfe's ineligibility - with three rounds to go after four best-on-ground performances and votes in 13 games.

Matt Priddis drinks to his surprise Brownlow win. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Corp Australia

The AFL was privately delighted when Priddis grabbed two votes in the final-round victory over Gold Coast to edge past ineligible fellow West Australian Fyfe.

Priddis said playing with fellow Brownlow medallists Chris Judd and Ben Cousins had been a great apprenticeship.

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"I was overlooked in four national drafts and the Subiaco Football Club and Peter German were massive in my development," he said.

"They just told me to play to my strengths and that's all I've really tried to do. I can't thank them enough for giving me a start.

Check out the best dressed from this year's Brownlow Medal red carpet.

"I was never going to give up because it was my childhood dream. I grew up like every young kid kicking the footy and going to the park with my brother and my old man and it was always my childhood dream.

"I was never going to give up, I just wanted to play at the highest level possible, if that was going to be at Subiaco I was OK with that. West Coast helped me realise a childhood dream and I couldn't thank them enough for that.

He thanked his wife Ashleigh, who is pregnant with their second child and did not travel to Melbourne.

"It's a shame she can't be here tonight, she's suffering from pretty bad morning sickness," he said.

Gary Ablett hangs the Brownlow Medal around Matt Priddis's neck. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

"She's 23 weeks pregnant and we've got a two-year-old daughter Nala. They bring me so much joy.

"I think my two best years of footy have been since the birth of my first child. It just gives you great balance ... I've been with Ashleigh for 12 years and she understands the demands of AFL footy and I love her so much. She's the best.

The 29-year-old's steady vote gathering gained momentum in the back-end of the season, despite the Eagles' sporadic form.

Swans ace Lance Franklin was equal second with two-time winner Ablett on 22 votes.

Joel Selwood just misses out on the Brownlow Medal. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Corp Australia

It was the most votes polled by a Coleman Medallist, but Franklin knew he would fall just short after sitting out the last home-and-away game.

Priddis said he had been consistent through the year.

"I've got a pretty simple role, and being an inside mid you get to control your performances a little bit more than half-forwards or wingers so I'm pretty lucky in that regard," he said.

Priddis was taken in the rookie draft in 2006 after winning that year's Sandover Medal in the WAFL.

In a remarkable first season with the Swans, Franklin has kicked 67 goals from 19 home-and-away games, silencing the critics who had earlier suggested his recruitment from Hawthorn threatened to harm Sydney's culture.

Now, as a Coleman Medal winner, and with second in the Brownlow, Franklin is a serious chance to win a third premiership medal - and his first with the Swans in his maiden season at the club.

The AFL had flown two medals to Sydney with Franklin and Josh Kennedy considered chances to take home the medal, and both were in the mix for most of the evening.

Kennedy was stiff, too, having suffered hamstring tightness in Round 21, which saw him miss the final two games of the season.

LEADERBOARD
26 Matt Priddis (West Coast)

25 Nathan Fyfe* (Fremantle)

22 Gary Ablett (Gold Coast)

22 Lance Franklin (Sydney)

21 Joel Selwood (Geelong)

21 Josh Kennedy (Sydney)

21 Travis Boak (Port Adelaide)

21 Patrick Dangerfield (Adelaide)

Recap the thrilling count in our live blog below.

Originally published as Eagle rocks: Priddis claims Brownlow

23.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

Brownlow red carpet shocks

Rebecca Judd, Kylie Brown and Erin Maxwell tells us their thoughts on the Brownlow red carpet fashions

All ready for the red carpet arrivals for the 2014 AFL Brownlow Medal at Crown Casino. Source: News Corp Australia

IT'S that time of year again. AFL's biggest stars are preparing to grace the red carpet at Melbourne Crown Casino for the 2014 Brownlow Medal.

But as our footy stars are suiting up for the annual event, as usual tonight is all about the WAGs.

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True to form, the wives and girlfriends have upstaged their partners at the league's glitzy night of nights.

Stay tuned for all the red carpet glitz and glamour — and of course this year's frock shocks — below.

Grecko hits the red carpet. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: News Corp Australia

Gabi Grecko has arrived. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: News Corp Australia

All eyes were on Brownlow veteran Geoffrey Edelsten's on-again off-again fiancee Gabi Grecko — and she didn't disappoint. The 25-year-old model turned on the vamp, giving former red carpet standout Brynne a run for her money in the cleavage department.

Grecko donned a diamante-encrusted gown with a daring, low-cut front and thigh high split, accessorising with black crystal tears.

Gabi Grecko and Geoff Edelsten on the red carpet together. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: News Corp Australia

Grecko revealed that she designed her own dress for the event. Lucky, when asked about the evening ahead, she knew exactly what all the hype was about. "I'm told this is about football," she was overheard telling reporters.

Edelsten and Grecko looking rather serious on the red carpet. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

Former Cat's skipper Tom Harley's wife Felicity showed off her latest Brownlow accessory, a baby bump.

Pregnant with her second child, the Women's Health magazine boss looked stunning in a floor-length red Alex Perry gown. "Brownlow ready with my best new accessory A BABY BUMP!" she wrote on social media before arriving at the event.

Baby surprise! Tom Harley and his pregnant wife Felicity on the red carpet. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: News Corp Australia

Channel 7 presenter Rachael Finch was the first to hit the red carpet wearing a black lace gown with sheer panelling by Paolo Sebastian. Finch is presenting tonight.

Daniel Giansiracusa and Rachael Finch. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: News Corp Australia

Finch wearing Paolo Sebastian. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: News Corp Australia

As usual, Queen WAG Rebecca Judd knocked it out of the park wearing favoured local designer J'Aton. The model and television presenter hit the red carpet with husband Chris Judd in a tiered gown with high neckline cutouts and beaded embellishments.

Chris and Bec Judd. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: News Corp Australia

Bec Judd on the red carpet in Melbourne. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: News Corp Australia

Scott Pendlebury's partner Alex Davis looked sleek in a floor-length navy Julie Simonelli gown.

A regular on best dressed lists, Nadia Bartel — who is the wife of Geelong Cats star Jimmy Bartel — turned heads as she posed for photographers in this white number with leather studded harness and gunmetal buckles.

Nadia Bartel. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: News Corp Australia

Alex Davis. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: News Corp Australia

Gary Ablett with Jordan Paplia. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: News Corp Australia

Patrick Dangerfield and Mardi Harwood. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: News Corp Australia

Todd and Kirsty Goldstei. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: News Corp Australia

Jason Akermanis. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: News Corp Australia

Julie Dal Santo. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: News Corp Australia

Mardi Harwood. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: News Corp Australia

Nick and Erin Maxwell. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: News Corp Australia

Hawthorn skipper Luke Hodge and wife Laureen. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

Stefan Martin and Madeline Ryan. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: News Corp Australia

Lucy Freer with Jordan Lewis. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: News Corp Australia

Stephen and Jo Silvagni. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: News Corp Australia

Barry Round and Jenni Lumb. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: News Corp Australia

David and Libby Koch on the red carpet. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: News Corp Australia

Bob and Rebecca Skilton on the red carpet. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: News Corp Australia

Ruby Keddia. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: News Corp Australia

Emma Clapham. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: News Corp Australia

Unfortunately Buddy Franklin and Jesinta Campbell won't be attending Crown tonight for the Brownlow Medal. Instead, the A-listers will be in Sydney for the Swans' black tie Brownlow function dinner.

Who gets your vote for best dressed at the Brownlow? Share with us below.

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