Billy Brownless has revealed an entirely new side to his life.
The Geelong great, who is also regarded by many as one of football’s most lovable larrikins, is currently going through what appears to be a glow-up, with the 58-year-old swapping frothies down the pub for fine art and limoncellos.
But his new lifestyle choices have attracted the scrutiny of some of his friends, notably his Triple M co-host James Brayshaw.
Speaking to The Herald Sun last month, Brayshaw opened up on how Brownless had been drinking champagne, limoncello and going to art galleries.
It comes as the Cats legend had also found love last October. He has been dating Crystle Fleur, a mother of three who owns a Geelong-based Equestrian Company.
The pair have looked smitten ever since they went public on their relationship and were spotted at the Australian Open and at Brownless’ daughter’s wedding in March.
Billy Brownless (pictured with his girlfriend Crystle Fleur) has revealed he wants to be called a different name
It came after his mate and Triple M co-host James Brayshaw roasted him for his recent glow-up
Brayshaw revealed that Brownless (pictured right) who has been dating Fleur (left) since October, had swapped the larrikin lifestyle for a more sophisticated style of living
Brayshaw, though, has teased his old mate over his new lifestyle choices, joking: ‘He has turned into a proper w****r.’
Brownless, who booted 441 goals in 198 pro footy appearances for the Cats, has now appeared to hit back at those who have poked fun at him.
‘It’s called respect,’ the 58-year-old told Triple M’s Saturday Rub.
‘I just want to address some reports that have tarnished my character.
‘I read last week ‘proper w****r’ Brownless cops it. That was one headline.’
In light of the gossip around his new lifestyle changes, Brownless issued statement that he would now be distancing himself from the larrikin lifestyle.
‘So I’ve reached a fork in the road,’ Brownless continued. ‘I no longer wish to associate with tomfoolery or boofheadedness. I’m choosing a life of sophistication, a more mature life.
‘That may involve fine art and limoncellos. I’m swapping Carlton Draught tank beer and curried sausages for Campari spritzers and pate.
‘I’m not Bins. I’m not Fat. I’m not Browny. I’m not Cobb. I’m not Smack. I’m not Dribbler. I’m not Whale,’ Brownless had said. ‘I am simply, William’
Brownless clapped back at those who have poked fun at him, stating he ‘no longer wishes to associate himself with tomfoolery’
‘The dusty pink, triple L Gazman is out, Ralph Lauren and Gucci is in.’
He then revealed that he wanted his friends and colleagues to start calling him by a different name.
‘I’m not Bins. I’m not Fat. I’m not Browny. I’m not Cobb. I’m not Smack. I’m not Dribbler. I’m not Whale,’ he said.
‘I am simply, William.
‘We can take discussions offline and circle back and try to move the needle of this brand new pivot if we want to … I’ve changed. New look. People think I’m a w****r, just trying to say I’m not a w****r.’
In response, Brayshaw quipped back at his co-host’s comments, again joking: ‘You are a complete w*****.’
Brownless, meanwhile, cut an emotional figure during his daughter Ruby’s wedding this year.
The Cats icon gave Ruby away as she wed Josh Wallis, the brother of Western Bulldogs star, Mitch.
Brownless booted 441 goals in 198 pro footy appearances for the Cats during his glittering career
Brayshaw had previously wound Brownless up over his choice of drink during the big weekend and his concerns about paying for the big day.
‘He’s obviously had to put in a lot of cash,’ Brayshaw said.
‘He’s sneaky tight, “Fat”. He tries to act like he isn’t, but he is … He’s real p***ed off about how much it cost him.
‘So then he’s gone out to the Noosa hinterland venue and when he walked in and saw where his money’s gone… He went up to the Sofitel [hotel] with his beautiful better half Crystle and these are my spies.
‘Fat started in the pool – you know, the seats where you swim up to the bar … Crystle is in his lap and they start with vintage champagne.
‘This is the wa**er he’s turned into. He’s gone from only ever drinking beer. He starts on vintage champagne and then moves to piña coladas.
‘I don’t know what’s happened to him. He’s turned into someone I don’t recognise.’
