AFL WAG Neila Bontempelli reveals reason behind polarising outfit choice at 2026 Brownlow Medal after trolls slam robe-like ensemble online
Western Bulldogs WAG Neila Bontempelli raised eyebrows on Monday night when she stepped out in a very unique looking gown at the 2026 Brownlow Medal.
The mother-of-one walked the red carpet in a silk kimono-style gown which hung loose from her figure with a red floral feature fastened at her hip.
While some questioned the style choice, Neila revealed on Instagram that the robe-like silhouette was designed to be breastfeeding friendly for her one-month-old baby.
Last month, Neila welcomed her daughter Daisy Isobel with her AFL captain husband Marcus Bontempelli.
Neila brought Daisy along for her Brownlow trip, leaving the tot in the care of loved ones in her hotel room at the Crown where the annual event was held.
But shortly before the new mum went downstairs with her partner to enjoy the awards ceremony, Neila was seen breastfeeding her newborn.
Western Bulldogs WAG Neila Bontempelli raised eyebrows on Monday night when she stepped out in a very unique looking gown at the 2026 Brownlow Medal
While some questioned the style choice, Neila revealed on Instagram that the robe-like silhouette was designed to be breastfeeding friendly for her one-month-old baby
She shared pictures online of the moment, revealing her Brownlow dress had a practical neckline that could be pulled to the side so she could feed her baby.
Some cruel trolls online criticised Neila’s look, with one person writing: ‘Is she getting ready for a boxing match with that outfit? How silly.’
‘Oh dear. Resembles a badly wrapped christmas present,’ someone else said, while another added: ‘What is she wearing?’
‘Love, you forgot to take off your night robe,’ a third snidely wrote.
However, fans of the WAG took to Facebook to defend her fashion choice, praising the young mother for going to such a public event just weeks after giving birth.
‘Just had a baby, out of the house and being photographed – wear whatever you feel comfortable in. You look great Neila! I hope Daisy has a good night for you so you can relax and enjoy,’ one person wrote.
Last month, Neila welcomed her daughter Daisy Isobel with her AFL captain husband Marcus Bontempelli
Some cruel trolls online criticised Neila’s look, with one person writing: ‘Is she getting ready for a boxing match with that outfit? How silly’
However, fans of the WAG took to Facebook to defend her fashion choice, praising the young mother for going to such a public event just weeks after giving birth
‘I admire a woman who dresses in what she feels comfortable in and is not a slave to trends,’ another said.
‘Give the lady a break, she’s just had a baby. The fact that she is even there is awesome. GO THE BONTS!’ a third noted.
‘Please don’t be unkind to her. I remember back to when I had my first baby. You don’t feel like yourself for weeks and weeks. For her to get up and attend a night like this after only five weeks post delivery is nothing short of amazing. I hope she enjoys herself,’ someone else commented.
Neila and Marcus, 30, welcomed their first child together on August 14, sharing a clip of the bub to Instagram just days later.
‘And just like that, life was never the same. Daisy Isobel Bontempelli,’ the couple captioned the post.
The clip featured Daisy sleeping beside a bouquet of daisies while wearing a pink headband with a white sweater emblazoned with ‘Daisy’ resting on top of her.
Marcus tied the knot with his Canadian wife in October last year during a stunning wedding in California.
Now based in Melbourne, the couple met while Neila was holidaying in Western Australia in 2021, following the Bulldogs’ 2021 AFL grand final loss in Perth.
