Latest AFL couple to call it quits

Brownless, the daughter of former Geelong star Billy Brownless, and former St Kilda forward McCartin had been together for almost four years.Concussion prone forward McCartin remains a chance of reviving his AFL career after recently moving to Sydney to take a punt to play with their reserves side in the revamped VFL in 2021. His brother Tom plays for the Swans.McCartin took time away from the game last year to help his recovery from a series of head knocks. Brownless spent some months near Byron Bay with her mum Nicky and siblings during lockdown last year.She stepped out in style at Wednesday night’s Grainshaker vodka dinner to celebrate its first time partnership with the Australian Open tennis. She is also part of the Grainshaker crew, along with Emma Hawkins, Lana Wilkinson and Bonnie Anderson.

Last year Brownless spoke of how McCartin had been an inspiration to her as he seeks to make a playing comeback.She had planned to spend time in LA teaching yoga before COVID hit.“He really is very motivated and inspired to get back to doing what he loves,’’ she told the Herald Sun in June.“It’s really inspiring to watch.”After McCartin was delisted by the Saints in 2019 after 35 games in five seasons, she spoke of the emotional and challenging time.

“The past eight months have undoubtedly been the hardest and most challenging time you have ever been through. I’m by your side every step of the way. I love you.”McCartin also posted at the time, thanking Brownless for being there for him.“… don’t know where the times gone, we have had so many great times, and a couple of downs as well, and there’s no doubt the last 3 months have been the hardest.“There’s been days and weeks where I haven’t been able to move, leave the couch or leave my bed, and you’ve put everything in your life on hold to help me through all this and help me find my feet.”The couple had spent time together in New York during 2019 while Brownless studied a yoga teaching course and McCartin sought specialist advice in the US.