IT'S A Sunday night Brownlow Medal event without red carpet ... or even people ... and now footy's 'night of nights' is set for another first with a woman to host the unusual COVID count.
Channel Seven has announced that long-time sports presenter Jacqui Felgate will join Hamish McLachlan in hosting the made-for-TV event (traditionally held on the Monday of Grand Final week) on Sunday, October 18.
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Winners of the Rebel Mark of the Year, Goal of the Year and the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award will also be revealed during the count, and fans are being asked to dress for the occasion and get on social media with #BackyardBrownlow. Channel Seven will show the best fan pics during the broadcast.
McLachlan, who replaced Bruce McAvaney as the face of the Brownlow last year, said: "It will be a different Brownlow count this year, not having a room filled with the players, but the significance of the night remains just the same. To be crowned the game's fairest and best is life changing, so we will try very hard to ensure that prestige remains amongst all the changes we face."
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Felgate said it will be a privilege to be part of football's most iconic night as the first ever female co-host.
"It's been an incredibly tough year for so many, but Brownlow night will give Australians the chance to celebrate the very best in footy, both on and off the field. It's an honour to stand alongside one of the finest broadcasters in the country in Hamish McLachlan, and to look back at the remarkable moments that gave us so much joy – when we needed it the most. It will be a Brownlow with a difference, but it will be something very special indeed. And I promise to keep everyone on time, there will be no excuses this year."
