Meka Norton-Smith makes splash on Brownlow red carpet as new AFL WAG

Meka Norton-Smith, a Queensland athlete new to the AFL WAG scene, arrived at Crown Melbourne’s Palladium on Monday night for the 2025 Brownlow Medal Count on the arm of Brisbane Lions player Levi Ashcroft. Norton-Smith immediately drew attention in a racy latex corset gown by Melbourne designer Sepideh Couture, a look that prompted comparisons to Bec Judd’s iconic red-carpet moment two decades ago.

The sculptural, high-shine bodice read more like liquid vinyl than fabric, with a one-shoulder waved design and a strapless cut that left her midriff exposed. The gown extended into a maxi skirt in the same warm burgundy tone, while Norton-Smith carried a leather envelope clutch that matched the top. To let the ensemble speak, she chose a minimal makeup palette—rosy blush, luminous highlighter and natural pink lipstick—paired with a sleek, flipped hairstyle and understated accessories. Norton-Smith walked the red carpet on the arm of Levi Ashcroft, who complemented the look in a burgundy suit with a white shirt and black tie.

Levi Ashcroft’s appearance alongside Norton-Smith amplified attention on the couple’s fashion moment. Levi, a Brisbane Lions youngster, is part of a footballing family; his brother Will Ashcroft, a Norm Smith medallist, also plays for the Lions and has spoken publicly about joining the club and the dynamics of competing at the highest level with a sibling in the same organization. The broader scene on Brownlow night featured several high-profile WAGs and fashion moments, underscoring the ongoing evolution of AFL culture and its red-carpet appeal.

Observers noted that Norton-Smith’s look stood out even among other attendees who used the night to make bold style statements. The outsize attention given to new entrants in the AFL WAG circle points to the shifting landscape, where emerging figures are increasingly shaping public perception and media coverage around the event.

The Brownlow Medal Count has long been a focal point for fashion among players and partners, and Norton-Smith’s entrance adds to a growing list of WAGs who use the occasion to showcase personal style and brand-building potential. As Norton-Smith continues to gain visibility, industry watchers will monitor how her fashion choices influence the broader WAG presence at future AFL events.