Abbey Holmes, the acclaimed Channel Seven sports presenter, made a radiant appearance at the 2026 Brownlow Medal Count in Melbourne, where she elegantly displayed her pregnancy. Attending alongside her husband, former AFL star Keegan Brooksby, Holmes charmed onlookers with her glowing presence. This event underscored her ability to balance a high-profile media career with her growing family, a subject she has approached with remarkable candor.
Holmes's journey into motherhood and her return to the broadcasting spotlight have been a testament to her dedication and resilience. After welcoming her first child, Braxton, she promptly resumed her television duties, sparking a conversation about women in professional roles and their choices regarding family life. Her stance on integrating work and family has inspired many, demonstrating that a fulfilling career and a vibrant family life are not mutually exclusive but can indeed complement each other beautifully.
A Star's Glowing Presence on the Red Carpet
Abbey Holmes, the esteemed Channel Seven sports reporter, shone brightly at the 2026 Brownlow Medal Count in Melbourne, exuding a captivating glow that drew all eyes to her. Dressed in a magnificent off-the-shoulder burgundy gown, she gracefully highlighted her pregnancy, embodying both elegance and maternal joy. Her choice of attire, paired with a sophisticated Tiffany and Co. hardware link necklace and complementary earrings and bracelet, showcased her impeccable style. With her blonde hair styled in soft waves and a bronzed makeup palette, Holmes radiated confidence as she tenderly cradled her baby bump, posing for photographers.
Her husband, Keegan Brooksby, an AFL star, complemented her perfectly, looking distinguished in a cream tuxedo jacket, white dinner shirt, black bow tie, and black trousers. Their combined presence on the red carpet was a picture of happiness and anticipation, celebrating not just a significant event in Australian sport but also a personal milestone in their lives. Holmes's radiant appearance was a powerful statement, subtly challenging conventional narratives about professional women and motherhood, proving that one can embrace both with grace and success.
Balancing Motherhood and a Thriving Career
In July, Abbey Holmes publicly shared the joyous news of her second pregnancy on Instagram, revealing that the newest addition to her family with AFL star Keegan Brooksby is expected in January 2027. This announcement, accompanied by a heartwarming photo featuring her husband and their young son Braxton, highlighted their expanding family. Holmes expressed immense gratitude for their situation and excitement for Braxton to embrace his role as a big brother, confident that he would excel at it. Their first son, Braxton, was born in June the previous year, following an announcement on New Year's Day 2025, marking a period of significant personal growth for the couple.
Beyond her personal life, Holmes has carved out a successful television career since her retirement from the AFLW, where she was a part of Adelaide's inaugural team. She has become a regular and respected contributor to Seven's AFL coverage, returning to broadcasting just seven weeks after Braxton's birth. This decision, though met with some criticism from a small minority on social media, was a deliberate choice by Holmes to demonstrate that women can effectively pursue their careers while raising a family. She firmly defended her commitment to her work, emphasizing its importance and the fulfillment it brings, and acknowledged the invaluable support system that enables her to manage her demanding television schedule with the responsibilities of a new mother. Brooksby, who enjoyed a distinguished career in Australian rules football, has also transitioned into football administration, serving as Hawthorn Football Club's General Manager of AFLW, further cementing their family's deep ties to the sport.
