AFL star Jack Ginnivan stole the show with his appearance at the 2024 Brownlow Medal ceremony, but many fans were left wondering what he was doing there in the first place.
The 21-year-old has been a magnet for controversy since his AFL debut with Collingwood, before switching to Hawthorn this season and aggravating Port Adelaide fans with a shocking comment on social media.
Ginnivan went public with his romance with his stunning new model girlfriend Lily Rose Mitchell, turning heads at the 2024 Brownlow ceremony.
But many AFL fans were left wondering how he managed to secure an invitation, considering he is not yet a senior player at his club.
Each year, the AFL invites at least five players from each team to the glittering event, usually those most likely to get votes and have a realistic chance of taking home the medal.
Previous winners and captains receive automatic invitations, which can mean clubs have six or more players present on some occasions.
According to the AFL, Jai Newcombe, James Worpel and Will Day were the leading candidates for the Hawks this year, while Dylan Moore was also considered a long shot by the bookmakers. Massimo D’Ambrosio and captain James Sicily also picked up votes on the night.
All of this left AFL fans wondering: what was Ginnivan doing in the Brownlow Medal?
AFL star Jack Ginnivan officially went public with his stunning new model girlfriend Lily Rose Mitchell at the 2024 Brownlow Medal ceremony (pictured)
“I understand this event is meant to reward gamers for their achievements and not a few women looking for 15 minutes of fame. Or have I missed something?” asked one viewer.
“How did he get the invite? Aren’t there really five better players on the Hawks this year?” another asked.
Some joked that he looked like part of the catering staff, with one posting: “What time do you serve canapés?”
“He failed to get a game for the Pies and now he’s invited to the Brownlow… Will he get a vote?” asked another.
Ginnivan had the last laugh, polling three votes in the club’s win over his former team Collingwood, which placed him seventh in the overall Hawks standings.
The couple made a stylish red carpet debut as they launched their romance in front of the cameras at the Crown
Jack, 21, kept his look sleek and sophisticated in a crisp white blazer paired with black trousers and a classic black bow tie.
The Hawks star and his date made a stylish red carpet debut as they launched their romance in front of the cameras at Crown Melbourne.
Jack, 21, kept his look classy and sophisticated in a sleek white blazer paired with black trousers and a classic black bow tie.
The Collingwood forward radiated confidence as he posed alongside his blonde beauty, both oozing glamour for the prestigious AFL event.
Lily stole the show in a stunning metallic bronze gown that featured a plunging neckline and a daring thigh-high slit.
The liquid fabric of the dress hugged her figure perfectly, shining under the lights and leaving no doubt that she was one of the best-dressed attendees of the night.
Lily stole the show in a stunning metallic bronze gown that featured a plunging neckline and a daring thigh-high slit.
She completed the look with strappy heels, keeping her accessories minimal and letting the dress do the talking.
Her blonde waves cascaded over her shoulders, with her bronzed, glowing makeup complementing the sultry vibe of the outfit.
After dazzling on the red carpet, Jack took to Instagram to give fans a glimpse into what his evening was like.
She cheekily captioned the photo with “soft launch,” playfully nodding to the fact that the couple’s relationship had until now only been rumoured.
While the couple’s exact dating timeline remains under wraps, their chemistry was undeniable as they posed arm in arm, clearly enjoying their moment in the spotlight.
After dazzling on the red carpet, Jack took to Instagram to give his followers a glimpse of what his evening was like. He cheekily captioned the photo: “soft launch,” playfully winking at the fact that until now the pair’s relationship had only been rumoured.
While little is known about Lily, she already has a strong presence on TikTok and is no stranger to flaunting her incredible figure in bikini photos.
Jack’s new romance has certainly turned heads, with fans eager to find out more about the gorgeous blonde at his side.
Many were quick to comment on the couple’s stylish looks, with some speculating that this could be the start of something lasting.
While little is known about Lily, she already has a strong presence on TikTok and is no stranger to flaunting her incredible figure in bikini photos.