Brownlow Medal in pictures: Hilarious hidden detail in Max Gawn's suit jacket pays homage to teammate

Melbourne Demons skipper Max Gawn revealed a hilarious tribute to teammate Christian Petracca hidden inside his suit jacket.

Clearly expecting to hear the phrase throughout the night, Gawn had the words "C. Petracca 3 Votes" stitched onto the inside of his YSG Tailors jacket.

Gawn rode all the highs and lows of the count with his mate as Petracca tallied 26 votes, five behind winner Lachie Neale.

Lachie Neale and his wife Julie pose for portraits after he was awarded the 2023 Brownlow Medal.

After confessing he hadn't prepared an acceptance speech, Neale paid tribute to his wife, family and the Lions.

"Thank you to the whole footy club. Thank you to my family. My mum, my dad. Step dad Brett. Step mum Deb. There's a few to thank but my family are such a big support for me," he said on Seven's coverage.

"My brothers and sisters. I've got too many to name. But I love you all. Thank you so much. Can't wait to see my whole family together this weekend. It will be amazing, so looking forward to that.

"To Jules, my wife. She's my rock. She puts up with way too much from me. So thank you very much. I love you. Yeah, I can't put into words what you do for me, and how well you let me do my job and support me. So thank you very much."

Lachie Neale gives his acceptance speech after winning the Brownlow Medal.

Admittedly, the Lions midfielder wasn't prepared to win the award. 

Swans star Errol Gulden was a shock contender for the Brownlow Medal, going close to the top three.

Collingwood Magpies leader Darcy Moore pays tribute to retiring players.

Former Adelaide Crows teammates Taylor Walker and Patrick Dangerfield pose during the Brownlow Medal event.

Dale Thomas presents the Mark of the Year award to Giants star Harry Himmelberg.

Carlton Blues favourite Sam Docherty is presented with the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award by Tiernan Stynes.

Leigh Matthews pays tribute to legendary coach and player Ron Barassi during the 2023 Brownlow Medal.

19-year-old Will Ashcroft from the Brisbane Lions poses with the Goal of the Year medal.

Ben and Melanie Cousins attend the 2023 Brownlow Medal at Crown Entertainment Complex in Melbourne.

The 2005 winner's attendance marked the first time he'd been in Melbourne for a Brownlow Medal count since the year he won it.

"I'm somebody that hasn't been given a second chance," Cousins told The Australian on Monday.

"I've been given a third, fourth and fifth for whatever reason. But that's what it's taken.

"I know I'm starting from a long way back but I needed to feel like I was making a contribution."

Carlton captain Patrick Cripps pictured with his wife Monique on the red carpet.

Cripps took out the Brownlow last year with 29 votes.

Collingwood star Nick Daicos pictured with his partner Araette Jones on the red carpet.

Marcus Bontempelli admitted he was "nervous" entering the Brownlow Medal as one of the favourites in an interview with Seven before the count.

Port Adelaide star Zak Butters is one of the favourites to take out the Brownlow Medal and brought his mother along for the count.

Collingwood legend Nathan Buckley pictured with his partner Brodie Ryan on the red carpet.

Buckley took out the award in 2003 in an incredible three-way tie with Adam Goodes and Mark Ricciuto.

Collingwood star Scott Pendlebury pictured with his wife Alex on the red carpet.

Pendlebury has been ever-present at Brownlow Medal counts since making his debut in 2006.

The former Collingwood skipper has 215 career votes.

Brisbane Lions star Lachie Neale did not show any nerves despite being among the favourites tonight.

Kylie Rogers, executive general manager customer and commercial of the AFL, Gillon McLachlan, chief executive officer of the AFL, Laura Kane, executive general nanager football of the AFL and Andrew Dillon, chief executive officer elect of the AFL are seen on the panel during the 2023 Brownlow Medal.

Carlton stars Charlie and Ed Curnow made their way through the red carpet together.

Curnow told 9News Melbourne that he found a bow tie too tough to do up, so entered with an undone tie around his neck.