Hawks player Jack Ginnivan caused a stir at the Brownlow Medal night, leaving many AFL fans puzzled by his presence. Despite not being considered one of Hawthorn’s top performers for the season, Ginnivan managed to secure an invite to the prestigious event. His appearance was somewhat justified by receiving three votes for a standout performance against Collingwood, his only votes for the season, ranking him as the seventh best performer for the Hawks in the context of Brownlow voting.
Throughout the night, Ginnivan was seen looking delighted, especially as he went public with his relationship with model Lily Mitchell. The event also saw West Coast Eagles’ teen sensation Harley Reid shine, winning the Goal of the Year award and becoming a favorite in the Western Australian media.
The highlight of the night was Carlton Blues’ Patrick Cripps winning the Brownlow Medal, becoming the 13th V/AFL player to achieve this feat. He was embraced by his wife Monique Cripps and Carlton legend John Nicholls, and toasted his victory with AFL CEO Andrew Dillon. Angus Brayshaw also delivered a heartfelt speech, highlighting the void left by the absence of football due to his medical retirement.
Other notable moments included GWS Giants’ Lachie Whitfield and Toby Greene posing together, Taylor Walker’s jubilant mood, and Reilly O’Brien of the Crows winning the Jim Stynes Community Award. The event also featured interviews with players like Jamie Elliott and Olympic gold medalist Ariarne Titmus, as well as the presentation of the Mark of the Year award to Bobby Hill.
One of the most talked-about moments of the night was Gold Coast Suns’ Mac Andrew officially signing a multi-million dollar contract, securing his future with the club for the next 10 years. Despite uncertainty about his position on the field for the upcoming season, Andrew expressed his willingness to play wherever the coach decides.
Overall, the 2024 Brownlow Medal night was filled with excitement, emotion, and memorable moments, showcasing the talent and passion within the AFL community. As players celebrated their achievements and shared special moments with loved ones, the event highlighted the camaraderie and competitive spirit that define Australian Rules football.
