Magpies star Nick Daicos and his girlfriend Arlette are every inch the loved up couple as they lead footy star arrivals at the 2024 AFL Awards

AFL star Nick Daicos had a big smile on his face on Thursday night as he took to the stage with his gorgeous girlfriend Arlette on his arm at the 2024 AFL Awards in Melbourne.

The lovebirds made their arrival at Centrepiece, with the 21-year-old Magpies midfielder looking dapper in a monochrome suit and tie.

Meanwhile, Arlette stole the show in a gorgeous brown dress with a strapless neckline and a statement cutout across her waist.

Nick had every reason to be happy at the big event as he won the AFL Coaches Association Champion Player of the Year award.

This put the AFL player neck-and-neck with Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli, who took home the event’s other most prestigious award.

The 28-year-old, who arrived with his partner Neila Brenning, took home the Leigh Matthews Trophy as AFL Players Association MVP.

Marcus and Neila looked strikingly alike, with him wearing a black suit and tie, while she spread out her figure in a black satin dress.

Nick and Marcus’ victories have only increased the anticipation for this year’s Brownlow Medal as they are among the main contenders this season.

Nick asked coaches to vote in 16 of the 23 games this season, including up to 10 votes on five separate occasions, and Marcus was named the AFLPA’s best captain.

Elsewhere at the AFL Awards, Lions’ Lachie Neale arrived with his mother Amanda Neale.

The couple also both wore black, with Lachie, 31, who is expecting his second child with wife Jules, opting for a colourful accent with a red tie.

Max Gawn of the Demons and his wife Jessica Todd were also guests.

The 32-year-old ruckman was thrilled when his partner stole the show in a royal blue halter dress.

Geelong star Ollie Dempsey claimed his own spotlight at the awards ceremony when he accepted the AFL Rising Star.

The 21-year-old attacker received the award after favourites Harley Reid and Sam Darcy were ineligible to play due to suspension.

Requests for the competition to change the eligibility criteria were rejected in June when the West Coast and Western Bulldogs stars were both suspended for two games in round 12.

Harley, 19, was suspended for rough conduct after a dangerous tackle on St Kilda’s Darcy Wilson, who finished fourth in the Rising Star Award with 15 votes.

Meanwhile, 21-year-old Sam was suspended for his late goal on Collingwood defender Brayden Maynard.

The AFL felt that the Rising Sun’s entry criteria should be based on a ‘fairness’ aspect.

Ollie clearly stood out among the young talents eligible for the competition, after receiving 52 out of a possible 55 votes.

Ollie is the second Geelong player to win the Rising Star Award, following club legend Joel Selwood in 2007.