While Fremantle captain Nat Fyfe took home the Brownlow Medal, all eyes were on the fashionable parade of wives and girlfriends in the on-trend shade.

Julie Neale, the wife of Brownlow contender Lachie Neale, chose an off-the-shoulder gown lilac gown created by designer Georgia Young.

The Melbourne-based designer created a record seven dresses for the event, including for Patrick Dangerfield's wife Mardi, Max Gawn's wife Jessica Todd and Jess Tarrant, wife of Kangaroos star Robbie.

"I only did my second fitting yesterday, it's amazing how quickly Georgia pulled it together," Neale told AAP.

Thigh-high splits, figure-hugging silhouettes and sequins were also popular, while baby bumps were the most joyous accessory.

Greater Western Sydney's Callam Ward and wife Ruby - who watched the count in Sydney as the team prepares for Saturday's grand final - took to Instagram to announce they are expecting a baby in February.

Collingwood skipper Scott Pendlebury's wife Alex, Adam Treloar's netballer girlfriend Kim Ravaillion and Ed Cunrow's wife Emily were also sporting baby bumps on the red carpet.

"Being pregnant definitely made it easier, you would think it would be the opposite but my first fitting was a week ago," Pendlebury, in a sequinned black Jane Hill number, told AAP.

Brooke Cotchin, the wife of Richmond captain Trent, said the couple were on their first date night since having baby Parker two months ago.

"It's always nice to get out, maybe not to the Brownlow, a dinner would have been nice," she joked.

Perhaps the most unusual look of the evening was Essendon's Dyson Heppell in a pair of checked shorts and crutches. His girlfriend Kate Turner was also daring in a dress made from black latex.

Wife of Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley, Tania, was made famous for once wearing a diamante g-string to the Brownlow. She also brought some drama this year in a red gown with cutouts by Jason Grech.

Australian Associated Press