The lives of Nicky Brownless, Garry Lyon, and Billy Brownless have been intertwined in a story of public betrayal, emotional healing, and eventual reconciliation. What began as a shocking scandal in the Australian AFL world has evolved into a complex narrative of growth, forgiveness, and the power of second chances. From heartbreak and anger to emotional recovery and the rebuilding of relationships, their journey has been a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
This blog delves into the timeline of events that shaped their lives, from the breakdown of Billy and Nicky’s marriage to the scandal that rocked the AFL community, and finally to the reconciliation and new beginnings that have come with time.
The Breakdown: Billy and Nicky Brownless’ Marriage
Before the scandal, Nicky and Billy Brownless were an iconic couple in Australian sport. Billy, a respected AFL player with the Geelong Cats, was in the public eye for his sporting achievements, and Nicky was his steadfast partner for 18 years. Together, they raised four children: Lucy, Ruby, Oscar, and Max. The Brownless family was seen as one of the more stable and admired families in Australian sport.
In 2015, however, their marriage came to an end. The reasons behind their separation were kept private, but it was clear that the breakdown of their marriage was a significant emotional event for both. Their separation, though private, quickly became known to the public, and it set the stage for the events that would follow.
While the end of their marriage marked a difficult chapter in their lives, it was only the beginning of a much larger public drama that would involve betrayal, heartbreak, and eventual healing.
The Affair: Nicky and Garry Lyon’s Relationship
In 2016, Garry Lyon, a former AFL player and long-time friend and co-host of Billy on The Footy Show, became romantically involved with Nicky Brownless. This affair, which began publicly after Nicky and Billy separated, was an emotional and public scandal. The affair was made all the more shocking because Garry and Billy had been close friends, sharing years of professional and personal connections. Garry was also a key part of the media landscape, making the affair even more high-profile.
The revelation that Garry and Nicky were in a relationship shocked the Australian public, particularly because of Garry’s close friendship with Billy. For Billy, it was a painful betrayal, and he spoke publicly about his hurt and anger over the situation. In interviews, Billy expressed the deep emotional toll the affair had taken on him, calling it a betrayal of their friendship and family. His pain was compounded by the fact that Garry had been a close confidant for years, and the affair severed not only his marriage but also his most trusted friendship.
Billy’s reaction to the affair was deeply personal, and in the months that followed, the media closely followed his every word. The public fallout was intense, and for a while, it seemed that the wounds would never heal. Many in the AFL community sympathized with Billy, seeing him as the victim of a personal betrayal.
Media Scrutiny and Public Reaction
Following the scandal, the Australian media were relentless in their coverage of the affair. Both Nicky and Garry became frequent subjects of tabloid headlines, and their relationship was dissected in public. As a result, they were forced to defend their actions and explain the personal motives behind their relationship. Billy, on the other hand, became the public victim in the narrative, and his heartbreak was widely discussed.
For Billy, the public attention was difficult to manage. He openly admitted that the affair had taken a massive emotional toll on him. The betrayal was more than just a broken marriage; it was the destruction of a close friendship that had spanned years. In interviews, Billy expressed his pain, and he made it clear that he could not understand how Garry could pursue a relationship with his ex-wife.
For Nicky and Garry, the scrutiny was a constant burden. They found themselves defending their relationship at every turn, explaining that despite the circumstances, their connection was genuine. Both were pilloried in the media as villains in the story, and their personal lives were put under a microscope. Nicky, in particular, faced harsh judgment from the public, as many saw her actions as selfish and irresponsible.
Billy’s Journey: From Betrayal to Acceptance
By 2020, four years after the affair, Billy had begun the difficult process of healing. In an interview on I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, Billy spoke openly about his emotional journey, sharing the anger and hurt he had felt following the betrayal. However, by this time, Billy had begun to realize that holding onto the anger was not helping him move forward. He admitted that while he would never forget the hurt caused by Garry, he was ready to let go of the past and focus on the future.
Billy’s recovery was gradual, but over time, it became clear that he was rebuilding his life. He focused on being a better father to his children and reconciling with them. His public statements reflected a growing sense of acceptance and peace. Despite the pain, he expressed that he was moving on and finding ways to forgive.
The process of forgiveness was not easy, but Billy came to understand that healing was a personal journey. Over the next few years, he focused on being a positive influence for his family and continued to publicly express his desire to move past the hurt. His ability to forgive was not only for himself but also for his children, who had witnessed the pain caused by the scandal.
The Turning Point: Christmas 2020
In 2020, Billy, Nicky, and Garry shared Christmas together, marking a key turning point in their relationship. After years of tension and public fallout, the trio came together in a private setting, showing that their relationships had evolved. The event was a symbol of reconciliation, as they spent the holiday together, and their interactions demonstrated a willingness to move forward from the past.
Billy’s decision to spend Christmas with Garry and Nicky was a significant step in the healing process. Although the road to forgiveness had been long and painful, this moment marked a shift in their dynamic. It was a powerful gesture that proved that even in the most challenging circumstances, relationships could be repaired and mended.
Ruby’s Wedding: The Ultimate Symbol of Healing
In March 2025, Ruby Brownless’ wedding marked the ultimate symbol of reconciliation for the Brownless family. Ruby, who had grown up in the spotlight as part of the high-profile Brownless family, married her fiancé, Josh Wallis, in a beautiful ceremony in Noosa. The wedding was not just a celebration of Ruby and Josh’s love, but also a moment of unity for Billy, Nicky, and Garry.
The three of them were seen interacting in a way that demonstrated how much they had healed. The public appearance of Billy, Nicky, and Garry together at the wedding showed that, despite the past, they had found a way to move forward and embrace a new chapter of family unity. Ruby’s wedding was a testament to the resilience of the Brownless family, as it signaled the end of one chapter and the beginning of a more peaceful, unified future.
Nicky and Garry’s Engagement: A New Beginning
In December 2023, Garry Lyon proposed to Nicky Brownless during a romantic trip to New York. The engagement, which came after nearly eight years together, was a monumental step for the couple. Their relationship, which had been fraught with public backlash, had endured the test of time and emerged stronger.
Nicky’s engagement to Garry symbolized the end of a painful chapter and the start of a new journey. She shared the news with her followers on social media, expressing her joy and excitement for the future. Their engagement, long-awaited by many, was not just a personal triumph for the couple but also a symbolic closure of the scandal that had defined their relationship for so long.
Billy’s New Relationship: Moving On
While Nicky and Garry celebrated their engagement, Billy Brownless had also found new love. Crystle Fleur, a businesswoman from Geelong, became his partner in 2025. Billy, who had been deeply affected by the breakdown of his marriage to Nicky, now had the chance to start fresh and enjoy a relationship without the baggage of the past.
Billy’s relationship with Crystle was still in its early stages, but he spoke publicly about how happy and content he felt. His ability to move on and find love again was a testament to his personal growth. Billy’s journey from heartbreak to healing was not just about forgiving Nicky and Garry but also about finding peace and new beginnings in his own life.
Conclusion: A Story of Resilience, Healing, and Forgiveness
The story of Nicky Brownless, Garry Lyon, and Billy Brownless is one of profound emotional resilience. What began as a devastating affair that tore apart friendships and families has now evolved into a story of forgiveness, healing, and new beginnings. From the emotional devastation of the affair to the reconciliation seen at Ruby’s wedding, the Brownless family has shown that even the most painful events can lead to personal and family growth.
As Nicky and Garry look forward to their future together, and Billy has found love again with Crystle, their story teaches us that time, acceptance, and forgiveness can lead to personal healing and new opportunities. Their journey is a powerful reminder that even after the most challenging times, love and healing can guide us to brighter, more hopeful days.
Here are the answers to the questions based on verified information:
FAQs
Is Garry Lyon still with Nicky Brownless?
Yes, Garry Lyon and Nicky Brownless are still together. They have been in a relationship since 2016 and got engaged in December 2023.
What happened to Billy Brownless’ wife?
Billy Brownless’ ex-wife, Nicky Brownless, separated from him in 2015 after their 18-year marriage. She later began a relationship with Garry Lyon, which caused public controversy.
Are Garry Lyon and Billy Brownless friends?
Garry Lyon and Billy Brownless were once very close friends, but their relationship was strained after Garry started a romantic relationship with Billy’s ex-wife, Nicky, in 2016. Over time, they have reconciled, spending Christmas together in 2020 and attending Ruby Brownless’ wedding in 2025.
When did Billy Brownless separate from his wife?
Billy and Nicky Brownless separated in 2015, after 18 years of marriage. Their separation was followed by public media attention and the subsequent affair between Nicky and Garry Lyon.
Who is Billy Brownless’s new lady?
Billy Brownless is currently dating Crystle Fleur, a businesswoman from Geelong. They have been together since 2024 and are enjoying a more private relationship after the public fallout from Billy’s previous marriage.
Is Lucy Brownless still with Paddy McCartin?
Yes, Lucy Brownless is in a relationship with Paddy McCartin, a former AFL player. They have been together for several years, and their relationship continues to be strong.
Who is Nicky Brownless with now?
Nicky Brownless is currently with Garry Lyon. The couple got engaged in 2023 after being together for several years following their controversial start in 2016.
Which pub does Billy Brownless own in Geelong?
Billy Brownless owns The Turf Club Hotel in Geelong, a well-known pub in the area. He has been involved in the hospitality business, adding to his post-AFL career activities.
