Monday
The Gold Coast SUNS had six players invited to Monday night's Brownlow Medal.
Skipper Gary Ablett was joined by NAB Rising Star Jaeger O'Meara, Rory Thompson, Dion Prestia, Trent McKenzie and Zac Smith.
Ablett and girlfriend, Jordan Papalia stole the show on the red carpet, the star pair taking in excess of one hour to complete their walk on the red carpet, completing dozens of radio and just as many television interviews as they entered the count.
Zac Smith took centre stage at the Brownlow, extending the SUNS dominance of the individual awards on offer as he claimed the Jim Stynes Community Award.
But the night belonged to Gary Ablett, winning his second Brownlow Medal, the GC SUNS first.
Following the count Ablett was whisked away to a media conference in Crown Casino's River Room followed by a private function with his SUNS teammates, officials and sponsors.
Tuesday
Despite the late night, Ablett rose early to complete a 45-minute session of one-on-one breakfast radio interviews, before heading to the AFL for a 10.00am media conference.
Following his media conference Ablett, met with officials from the AFL, the GC SUNS and his management group to work though the activities for the remainder of Grand Final week.
Back at Crown Casino, the remainder of the players (except for O'Meara) checked out of their hotel. Smith and Thompson headed back to the Gold Coast, while McKenzie and Prestia went home to their families in Melbourne.
Winner of the NAB Rising Star, Jaeger O'Meara headed out to his first commitment for NAB at the AFL live site at Melbourne's Federation Square. O'Meara conducted the NAB Auskick clinic between 10.00am and 11.30am and then participated in the NAB footy challenge at 12noon.
While O'Meara was keeping busy with the kids, Ablett had made his way back to Crown for a quick suit change before heading to the Carbine Club Lunch back in the same room where just over 12 hours earlier he claimed the Brownlow Medal.
After the lunch Ablett took the opportunity to get a bit of shut-eye before taking his girlfriend to the movies prior to his interview on FOX Footy's 'On the Couch'.
Wednesday
Not as chaotic as Tuesday, the day saw Ablett join over 1,000 guests at the Variety Club luncheon at Crown's Palladium. Like the Carbine Club lunch, the Variety Club lunch is a commitment for the Brownlow Medallist to attend each year. Ablett had to be hungry as he made a mad dash to the Duke of Wellington hotel for another luncheon before putting up the feet and letting SUNS player Dion Prestia, Harley Bennell, Danny Stanley and Jeremy Taylor to represent the SUNS along with CEO Travis Auld at the Virgin Australia AFL Grand Final party.
Thursday
Thursday was memorabilia morning for the Brownlow Medallist. Ablett signing all the required memorabilia that comes with winning a Brownlow Medal. But with another day came another corporate lunch for Ablett, this time at the mighty MCG. Following his lunch Ablett remained at the 'G' this time to conduct a meet and greet with the nominees for the NAB Auskicker of the year. Ablett was joined by Jaeger O'Meara at the meet and greet, where the young gun took over, hosting the Auskickers and their families for a dinner at the MCG that night.
Friday
Ablett and O'Meara started the day with a photo and signing session with Gold Coast SUNS members at Mantra Southbank.
Following the SUNS members-only function it was off to the Art Centre for the Grand Final parade.
Before the parade Ablett and O'Meara surprised Gold Coast SUNS fan Leigh, as the 'Make-A-Wish' Foundation made his wish come true, meeting the SUNS pair before being presented with AFL Grand Final tickets.
O'Meara led the parade through the street of Melbourne spotting a touch of Red and Gold in the crowd that were predominantly wearing Brown, Gold and Purple.
Ablett followed in the car behind, receiving plenty if support from Fremantle and Hawthorn fans.
Following the parade Ablett headed to the Park Hyatt for a Grand Final Eve Luncheon while O'Meara head to Docklands for the Virtually Forgotten Legends Luncheon before a guest appearance on channel 10's Before the Game on Friday night.
Saturday
Both SUNS stars are guests of AFL Chairman Mike Fitzpatrick and CEO Andrew Demetriou at the AFL's official function.
O'Meara will start the day at the NAB Marquee where he is a guest speaker, before heading to the corporate sports luncheon, while Ablett will start in the AFL function followed by a number of speaking duties before joining O'Meara in the pre-match lap of honour forming part of the pre-game entertainment.
