AFL Love Story Nears Final Chapter with 2026 Wedding Confirmation
Nicky Brownless has officially confirmed that she and former footballer Garry Lyon will tie the knot in 2026, bringing one of Australian Rules football's most discussed personal sagas closer to its conclusion. The announcement comes as the couple returns from a romantic European getaway, with Brownless sharing fresh insights into their upcoming nuptials.
Wedding Plans Must Accommodate Football's Demanding Schedule
Speaking exclusively to News Corp, Brownless revealed that while preparations are actively underway, the wedding date must carefully navigate football's relentless annual calendar. 'We're working on it and the girls are helping me plan,' she explained. 'We've just got to work around the footy season.' This practical consideration highlights how the couple's life remains intertwined with the sport that first brought them together and subsequently thrust their relationship into the public eye.
European Holiday Provides Welcome Respite from Planning
The pair recently enjoyed travels through England's picturesque Cotswolds, followed by visits to Paris and Amsterdam, with Brownless describing the trip as a perfect reset during the wedding organization process. 'We had the best time away, it was a lot colder than here but it was really special,' she reflected. Lyon, who is currently recovering from back surgery, is expected to return to his broadcasting roles with SEN and Fox Footy ahead of the new AFL season, adding another layer to their scheduling considerations.
Delayed Date Allowed Daughter's Wedding to Proceed First
Lyon originally proposed in December 2023 at the couple's Mornington Peninsula property, but they consciously postponed setting a definitive date to allow Brownless's daughter Ruby to marry first. Ruby celebrated her wedding to partner Josh Wallis in Noosa during March last year, clearing the path for her mother and Lyon to focus fully on their own ceremony.
Relationship Emerged from Football World Upheaval
The engagement represents a significant milestone in a relationship that initially sent shockwaves through Australian football circles. It followed the breakdown of Brownless's eighteen-year marriage to Billy Brownless, who was not only her husband but also Lyon's former teammate and close friend. The revelation proved particularly explosive given the years of friendship Billy and Garry had shared through both football and media environments.
Public Fallout and Eventual Reconciliation
Billy Brownless later admitted feeling blindsided and betrayed, describing the period as among the darkest of his life as he navigated the simultaneous collapse of his marriage and a longstanding friendship. The situation ignited a bitter public feud between the former Footy Show co-hosts that played out across several years. Gradually, tensions eased, and by 2020-2021, Billy and Garry began cautiously rebuilding civility for the sake of the children involved, eventually spending Christmas together as part of a blended family arrangement.
Family Remains Central to Wedding Vision
Brownless, who shares four children with Billy, emphasized that family continues to be central to her wedding plans, with her daughters playing active roles in the preparation process. She was recently spotted at the Australian Open alongside eldest daughter Lucy as guests of champagne brand Piper-Heidsieck, demonstrating their close bond. Meanwhile, Billy has moved forward personally and is now in a long-term relationship with partner Crystle Fleur, recently dismissing separation rumours after the couple appeared together at the same tennis event.
Looking Toward a Peaceful Future
Billy has spoken openly about finding peace after years of personal upheaval, acknowledging that while scars from the past remain, he is in a 'good spot' today, even if his friendship with Lyon will never return to its former depth. As Lyon recuperates from surgery and prepares for another broadcasting season, and Brownless continues wedding planning with her daughters' assistance, the couple appears poised to finally exchange vows later this year, closing a chapter that has captivated football followers for years.
