AFL WAG Neila Bontempelli addresses 'upsetting' criticism over controversial Brownlow Medal dress after cruel trolls mocked her glamorous look online

Western Bulldogs WAG Neila Bontempelli has hit back at cruel online trolls who sent her hate messages over her unique 2026 Brownlow Medal dress.

The mother-of-one, who is the wife of AFL player Marcus Bontempelli, faced a barrage of criticism on Monday when she stepped out in a blue satin gown by Atalie Studios, just one month after welcoming her first child, a daughter named Daisy.

Neila has now said, in a statement provided to The Blunt And The Beautiful podcast, that some of the messages she received were 'shocking' and 'upsetting'. 

She explained the polarising dress was specifically chosen so she could breastfeed her one-month-old child while keeping her C-section scar comfortable.  

'I was recovering from a complex birth and cesarean,' Neila explained, adding that her mother had flown in from her home country of Canada.

'We had help on the night, so we thought it was a good opportunity to get dressed and feel good after many sleepless nights covered in milk.'

'I've always told my mum about the Brownlow and she's followed it online from Canada and the socials, so it was very special for her to be there on the day and see all the preparation that went into it,' she continued.

'All in all, the worst of the comments were that the dress resembled a boxing gown or a dressing gown.

'But it was tough to find something that met the requirements I had. 

'I needed to have good breastfeeding access, loose on the waist for a C-section scar, bandages, leakage — the list goes on — all while loving the dress and staying true to my own personal style.

'Which I hear now, loud and clear, is not for everyone.'

The Canadian-born former professional ice hockey player went on to say she was hurt by the nasty things people said about her Brownlow dress. 

'I understand people are going to have their opinions, but when people write, "She must have been high from the gas from birth," or, "This is awful and an equal embarrassment to her partner," those things are shocking as they are upsetting,' she said.

'In the end, I received thousands of lovely messages from people saying they loved it, even from other stylists and celebrities, which had a lovely impact.

'Most importantly, I was comfortable and happy and confident, and Marcus thought I looked absolutely beautiful.'

Neila 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 on Monday night.

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.

Neila brought Daisy along for her Brownlow trip, leaving the bundle of joy in the care of loved ones at their Crown hotel room during the event.

But shortly before the new mum went downstairs with her partner to enjoy the awards ceremony, Neila was seen breastfeeding her newborn.

She shared pictures online demonstrating how her Brownlow dress allowed easy breastfeeding with its practical neckline. 

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.

'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.

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.