Brownlow Medal 2025 LIVE: Fans left baffled by Matt Rowell’s history-making clean sweep

Wow! After seven rounds, Matt Rowell has picked up a complete clean sweep of votes across the games he has played.

He sits two clear of Nick Daicos and Andrew Brayshaw at the top of the leaderboard on 15 votes. He is the first player to ever top that tally after round seven.

But some fans have been left baffled by his insane haul so far.

Several took to X to point out that Rowell had claimed a clean sweep of votes for his performances against the Crows and the Swans in rounds four and seven. But in both of those games, Rowell only amassed 17 and 16 disposals, respectively.

‘I love Matt Rowell but how did he get 3 votes for this,’ one said pointing to Rowell’s performance against the Crows.

‘How Matt Rowell has polled 15 votes and Noah Anderson 1 after 7 matches is truly remarkable. Impossible to understand,’ another said.

Sports commentator Mitch Turner said: ‘Matt Rowell has polled top votes in 3 games in which he didn’t poll any coaches’ votes. The Brownlow is the code’s most prestigious award… but it’s not the award for the best and fairest player. The MVP & Coaches awards are better. It is what it is.’

Others, though lumped praise on Rowell, including Miles Pfitzner.

‘Full credit to Matt Rowell, take nothing away from him,’ he wrote on X. ‘He’s a star. We talk about umpiring and where it’s at a lot. If four umpires can’t work out who the best player on the ground is we have an even more serious problem with them than we thought. Not just the game decisions.

’16/17/20 all 3s. This will be talked about for years to come. Unbelievable.’

Brisbane star Harris Andrews has been crowned this year’s Jim Stynes award winner in recognition of his outstanding work with victims of domestic and family violence.

The footy star has worked as an ambassador for Beyond DV since 2018 and has focused his efforts to empower young people, particularly young men and boys, to reject violence while also supporting those who have been subjected to domestic violence.

Andrews has been a key voice in the ‘Ask a Mate’ initiative, that works to help promote respectful relationships and provide education around consent.

‘Harris has shown incredible leadership and humility in using his platform to make a real difference,’ AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said.

‘His work with Beyond DV and the Ask a Mate initiative has had a powerful impact on young people, particularly in teaching respect, consent and the importance of healthy relationships.

‘Establishing himself as a trusted role model amongst the community, his character and values exemplify what we stand for as a game and embody the work of the late Jim Stynes.’

Speaking to Channel 7’s Hamish McLachlan, Matt Rowell revealed that he was a bit taken back by his epic start to the evening.

Bit surprising to be honest. I didn’t think I’d be in this position. But it’s nice.

In fact, there have only been three other players to have amassed a clean sweep of votes after five matches, one of whom includes his hero Chris Judd!

It’s some pretty cool company to be a part of. Juddy was one of my heros growing up – I was a big Carlton fan.

But after a ripping start, Rowell believes his vote count is set to dry up, with 13 rounds left to go.

I’ll probably slow down now!

We’re into round 10 and Matt Rowell has failed to receive three votes for the first time this evening after an incredible start.

It came as Touk Miller took the top gong in Gold Coast’s 104-96 victory against Hawthorn in Round 10.

Meanwhile, Andrew Brayshaw and Nick Daicos have continued to pick up votes but still remain five votes behind the Suns midfielder.

It seems as though the chasing pack will now have a good chance to catch up to Rowell, with the Suns going on to lose their next three games after round 10.

1. M. Rowell (20 votes)
2. A. Brayshaw (15 votes)
3. N. Daicos (15 votes)
4. J. Dawson (14 votes)
5. M. Gawn (13 votes)
6. B. Smith (13 votes)
7. Z. Merrett (12 votes)
8. T. Taranto (12 votes)
9. C. Warner (12 votes)
10. C. Serong (11 votes)
11. D. Zorko (11 votes)

Fremantle youngster Murphy Reid has been named as the AFL’s Rising Star for the 2025 AFL season.

After making his debut this season, the speedy forward has gone on to enjoy an epic year, playing in all of the Dockers’ matches this season while booting 25 goals for the year.

‘It’s definitely interesting, it all happens fairly quick,’ he told Channel 7.

‘I was very grateful to be drafted to such a successful club and they have wrapped their arms around me

‘I was pretty lucky to get on the end of a couple.

‘I want to thank my parents who are here tonight; they’re pretty pumped to be here.’

Here’s how the race for the 2025 AFL Rising Star award finished:

1. Murphy Reid (Fremantle)
2. Dan Curtin (Adelaide)
3. Levi Ashcroft (Brisbane)
4. Harvey Langford (Melbourne)
5. Connor O’Sullivan (Geelong)

Sam Darcy has won the Virgin Australia AFL Mark of the year for his stunning hanger during the Bulldogs’ Round 22 clash against Melbourne.

‘Just had a go at it,’ he said explaining what was going through his head when he took the magnificent speccy.

‘Probably a bit controversial whether I got the mark or not…’ he added, laughing, after the ball appeared to bounce out of his hands when he landed on the ground.

Hamish McLachlan asked him: ‘If you were an umpire, would you give that mark?’

‘Yes, of course!’ he replied, sending the crowd into hysterics.

Noah Anderson picks up the award for the NAB AFL Goal of the Year for his epic strike during the Suns’ round 18 clash against Collingwood!

‘I didn’t think I’d have goal of the year in my career, to be honest,’ the Gold Coast star said during the awards evening.

Bailey Smith has racked up seven votes so far after six rounds, and sits five votes back from Matt Rowell and Nick Daicos who sit joint-top of the leaderboard.

While he doesn’t think he could pick up the win tonight, having noted himself that he missed three games this season due to injury, the Geelong star sent the internet into meltdown with his unique fashion choice for the night.

‘Bailey Smith is kinda refreshing,’ one wrote on X.

‘Lmaoo the sunnies are killing me,’ another added.

Chad Warner had jumped to the top of the leaderboard but he’s just been usurped by Gold Coast star Matt Rowell, who has taken a huge lead at the top of the ladder.

And in a remarkable turn of events, Rowell has become the first player to take perfect votes from all four of his opening games of the season.

He sits at the top of the ladder on 12 votes ahead of Andrew Brayshaw and Nick Daicos, both on nine votes!

• Rowell 12
• Brayshaw 9
• Daicos 8
• Zorko 8
• Merrett 7
• Warner 7

So the first two rounds are in and there’s some interesting points to note.

Bailey Smith picks up three votes for his performance during Geelong’s round one clash against Fremantle.

Both Jordan Dawson and Matt Rowell also took threes, while Nick Daicos banked one vote in the opening game of the season, before picking up three votes during his side’s six-point win against the Bulldogs in the opening round of the season.

But it’s Swans star Chad Warner who leads after the first three games of the season, having picked up seven votes following his excellent start to the season.

Meanwhile, Patrick Dangerfield has thrown a few digs at his team-mates on the Geelong table…

Huge news jsut in and Tiffany MIlls, the partner of Swans captain Callum Mills, has announced her pregnancy on the red carpet at the Brownlow Medal awards.

Tiffany stunned on the red carpet wearing a silken gown while holding her baby bump as she posed for snaps with her husband Callum.

Bailey Smith has given a telling update on his chances of winning this year’s Brownlow medal.

The footy star has enjoyed a brilliant first season since switching from the Kennel to the Cattery.

But after missing three games this year, he feels he might just miss out on clinching the award.

‘I don’t have a speech ready, I’ve missed three games so I don’t know I’d be lucky to win it! Smith told Channel 7.

‘I’ll just wing it,’ he said about any potential speeches before jokingly adding: ‘At least I’m sober!’

Footy royalty is in the house tonight and there are some stunning outfits on show at the Crown Palladium tonight!

Influencer Elle Ray stood out in a stunning red, backless frock, while Rory Lobb’s partner Lexi Mary, dazzled in a metallic, oil-slick style gown.

Check out some of the best outfits below!

Ariarne Titmus has staked her claim as Hawthorn’s No 1 fan, and believes she is more of a fan than Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese.

The Aussie politician is a Hawks tragic and was even recently seen singing the team’s song in the dressing room.

But when pressed on whether she was a bigger fan than Albanese by Channel 7, Titmus replied: ‘Oooh tough, I’d have to say maybe me!’

The Australian Olympic swimmer dazzled as she walked down the red carpet in a stunning red dress.

She also posed for a quick snap with AFL CEO Laura Kane.

Titmus is a regular face at the annual awards night and was asked by the Channel 7 team, how she always gets an invite.

‘I’m actually very good friends with Laura Kane and Kate Hutchison at the AFL, so I’m a plus one!’ she said.

But who does the Olympian think is taking home the top gong tonight?

Titmus said: ‘I think Nick Daicos is going to win. I think he deserves to win. I’m gonna go with the Lions. How amazing would it be to win two in a row?’

The annual AFL Awards evening throws up plenty of drama year-on-year and there have been plenty of moments we wont forget.

From some head-scratching fashion choices to some wild interviews, we’ve been looking back at some of the worst moments in Brownlow history, including Tania Buckley’s G-string dress to Brynne Edelsten’s unique outfit choices.

Nick Daicos and Arlette Amor have arrived at the Crown Palladium ahead of tonight’s Brownlow awards ceremony.

The Collingwood star begins the night as the clear favourite to win the coveted award and perhaps picking up his debut best and fairest medal could come down to how he started the 2025 season.

Big performances in the opening seven rounds of the season, which included a player-of-the-match performance in round two against the Western Bulldogs (that saw him also amass 39 disposals and seven marks) could see rack up a ton of votes early on tonight.

Twin that with the 38 touches he amassed against Brisbane in round six and Daicos could get out of the blocks early.

His brilliance on the pitch helped spur Collingwood on at times this season, and while his form dipped ever so slightly in the middle of the season, big performances against Fremantle, Richmond, Brisbane and the Crows in the back half of the season could see him edge further away from the chasing pack.

Should he clinch the coveted award, the 22-year-old will be the youngest player since Trent Cotchin in 2012 to be crowned the AFL’s best and fairest.

So here at Daily Mail HQ, we’re backing this year’s awards to be another tight finish.

Nick Daicos is the leading candidate to pick up this year’s coveted award, with the Collingwood star having thoroughly impressed this year, posting some career-high numbers.

This season he’s regularly surpassed 30 disposals per match, having also produced several match-winning moments that have helped the Magpies reach finals this season.

Adelaide star Jordan Dawson has also enjoyed an exceptional season, leading the Crows to their first finals series since 2017, and while they fell short of reaching the Grand Final, the 190cm midfielder has also dazzled this season.

Dawson has been prolific in front of goal, booting 18 goals for the season – career-high figures for the Crows onballer. He has also been praised this season for his leadership qualities, with the Crows skipper having also been praised by his former team-mate Brandon Jack, for his lack of ego.

Noah Anderson, meanwhile, is also in with a shout of picking up a maiden Brownlow medal, with the 24-year-old midfielder having equally dazzled this season, also averaging over 30 disposals, as well as 12 goals to boot.

Check out our full club-by-club guide and which players to look out for below!

• Adelaide Crows – Jordan Dawson: The Crows’ captain had a career-best season, combining leadership with big game moments.
• Brisbane Lions – Hugh McCluggage: Earned All-Australian honours and was a constant midfield presence, even when injuries hit teammates.
• Carlton – Patrick Cripps: The Blues skipper remains their most visible ball-winner, likely to outpoll George Hewett.
• Collingwood – Nick Daicos: One of the competition’s most watchable stars, Daicos is not just Collingwood’s leader but a medal favourite.
• Essendon – Zach Merrett: Shoulders the Bombers’ midfield load, accumulating touches even in a difficult campaign.

• Fremantle – Caleb Serong: Another All-Australian blazer in 2025; his consistency through the middle should earn votes across the year.
• Geelong Cats – Bailey Smith: Thrived in his first season as a Cat, racking up big disposal games and plenty of clearances.
• Gold Coast Suns – Noah Anderson: Edges out best mate Matt Rowell, though both will take votes off each other.
• GWS Giants – Tom Green: Contested possession king and clearance leader, made himself impossible to ignore.

• Hawthorn – Jai Newcombe: The Hawks’ most reliable midfielder and a standout in their handful of victories.
• Melbourne – Max Gawn: Still the benchmark ruckman, often dominating games with both hitouts and ball use.
• North Melbourne – Tristan Xerri: Breakthrough season as a top ruck; should narrowly hold off Harry Sheezel.
• Port Adelaide – Zak Butters: Electrified the Power midfield, his creativity and energy placing him well clear of teammates.
• Richmond – Tim Taranto: Tough and uncompromising, Taranto’s contested work sets him apart as Richmond’s vote leader.

• St Kilda – Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera: A breakout year as a classy distributor off half-back, commanding attention.
• Sydney Swans – Isaac Heeney: Another strong season balancing goals with midfield craft; Grundy and Warner may pinch a few but Heeney leads.
• West Coast Eagles – Harley Reid: The rookie sensation will steal votes in a rebuilding side, even with limited wins.
• Western Bulldogs – Marcus Bontempelli: Arguably the AFL’s best player; the Dogs captain will again dominate his club count.

Bailey Smith has spoken out on his relationship with social media star Tammy Hembrow, revealing that she will not be accompanying him as his date for the 2025 Brownlow Medal awards evening.

It’s the first time the footy star has attended the ceremony, and he could be in with a shout of picking up his first Brownlow Medal, despite having missed three games this season.

Smith arrived at the ceremony wearing a brown suit and posed for snaps with AFL CEO Andrew Dillon wearing a very cool pair of shades.

But earlier on today, he revealed in an interview with KIIS FM’s Kyle and Jackie O Show that he and Hembrow were ‘just friends’ and that he was bringing someone else to the awards night.

‘What’s going on [with you and Tammy]? Are you taking Tammy tonight or not?’ host Kyle Sandilands asked.

Bailey responded, ‘No, I’m not. No. I didn’t want to bore her with footy all night. She’s not a big footy fan. And we’re just mates.’

‘So, you guys aren’t exclusive or boyfriend and girlfriend?’ co-host Jackie Henderson questioned.

Bailey responded: ‘No, we’re just mates.’

He then revealed that he would be taking his jiu-jitsu instructor to the awards evening.

‘I’m taking my jiu-jitsu coach. He’s a good man. He’s one of my best mates. And he’ll be blind all night. Yeah, he’s having a big one,’ Bailey said.

Smith also took to Instagram to pose while he was getting ready for the awards night.

He published a picture of himself lying sideways on a bed with the caption: ‘Wow Brownlow wow.’

So we’re only a couple of hours away from the main ceremony which is set to begin at 8:00pm (AEST).

• Blue Carpet Confessionals: 5.30pm AEST on 7plus Sport (earlier in Adelaide and Perth)
• Red Carpet Arrivals: From 7.30pm AEST on Seven, 7mate and 7plus Sport
• Brownlow Medal Count: The official ceremony begins from 8.00pm AEST in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, 7.30pm in Adelaide and 6.00pm local time in Perth

Which attendees dazzled and who stunned on the red carpet on Monday night?

Footy royalty have been making their way into Melbourne’s Crown Palladium already and there have been some very glamorous looks on show already.

Bailey Smith is wearing a brown suit, perhaps in the hope of picking up the Brownlow Medal for the first time in his career.

We’ve also spotted Rory Lobb’s girlfriend, Lexi Mary, who has stunned in a shimmering Alin Le’Kal dress.

It’s not the first time that we’ve seen this dress, though. Ricki-Lee Coulter was also seen sporting this gown earlier this year at the Australian Idol finale!

Sam Flanders’ partner Ellie Dickinson (below), also stunned in a beautiful gold dress as she took to the Red Carpet for the awards evening.

Max Holmes accompanied his partner Jess Butler (below) who donned a stunning purple gown on the red carpet.

And Fox Footy presenter Sarah Jones glowed as she donned a yelow gown for the awards evening.

Good evening and welcome to Daily Mail Australia’s live coverage of the 2025 Brownlow Medal awards ceremony!

We’ve got a massive night coming up and we’ll be bringing you all the latest updates, looks and interviews from the red carpet as well as live round-by-round voting updates too.

All eyes tonight are on Bailey Smith, as the Geelong star arrives at the Crown Palladium for his first-ever Brownlow Medal awards night, and he’s rocked up in style, donning a very sporty pair of sunglasses.

Amid rumours of his relationship with social media influencer Tammy Hembrow, Smith has also revealed who his date will be for the awards evening and we’ll have more on that coming up a little later.

Meanwhile, he is up against some tough competition this year, as Collingwood’s Nick Daicos and Adelaide’s Jordan Dawson are also in the running to win this year’s coveted best and fairest award.

The stars are in the house so let’s take a quick look at some of the best outfits we’ve spotted on the red carpet so far!