Love in the Air for the Demons: Trent Rivers and Paris Stubberfield Announce Heartwarming Engagement
After weeks of speculation surrounding player movements and offseason uncertainty, the Melbourne Demons have finally received some joyful news that has fans smiling once again. Amid discussions of trades, exits, and fresh starts, love has taken center stage in the Demons camp, with Trent Rivers celebrating a major life milestone off the field.
The 23-year-old Melbourne defender has become engaged to his longtime partner, model and influencer Paris Stubberfield, in a romantic beachfront proposal that perfectly captured the couple’s happiness. While enjoying a well-deserved holiday in Momi Bay, Fiji, Rivers popped the question in a picturesque setting that looked straight out of a movie scene.
The magical moment was recorded by the couple, showing Rivers dropping to one knee between two swaying palm trees as the sun dipped over the horizon. With a dazzling diamond ring in hand, the young star nervously awaited the answer — and he didn’t have to wait long.
A visibly shocked and emotional Stubberfield said yes, sparking cheers and laughter from the pair as Rivers celebrated with an enthusiastic fist pump toward the camera. The sweet video quickly spread among teammates and fans once it hit social media, melting hearts across the AFL community.
Stubberfield later shared the moment with her followers on Instagram, writing a heartfelt caption that reflected both her surprise and her joy:
“The best day of my life. I get to spend forever with my favourite person on the planet. Absolutely shocked is an understatement if you couldn’t tell, but I couldn’t be happier. I love you T.”
The couple, both aged 23, have been together for several years and have become one of the AFL’s most admired young duos, known for their down-to-earth personalities and genuine affection for one another. Their engagement announcement quickly became a talking point online, drawing an outpouring of love from teammates, fellow players, partners, and friends from across the sporting world.
Among the first to comment was Demons captain Max Gawn, who enthusiastically replied, “Yes!!!” — a simple but heartfelt message that summed up the excitement within the club.
Others followed quickly, including Ardu Cubillo, partner of Demons forward Kysaiah Pickett, who wrote, “Omggg congratulations you two!” while Charlotte Viney, wife of vice-captain Jack Viney, added, “Gahhhh congratulations you two!! So happy for you both!”
The celebratory mood extended beyond the Demons’ inner circle, with a flood of congratulatory messages from well-known friends and sporting personalities such as Luke Jackson, Felix Von Hofe, Oskar Baker, Chloe Pink, Lexi Lobb, Paris Lawrence, Bella Petracca, Grace Hayden, and Anna McEvoy.
For Rivers, who has become one of Melbourne’s most promising young defenders, the engagement marks a joyful highlight to cap off an otherwise challenging year for the club. The Demons’ season may have ended in disappointment, but this personal victory offered a reminder that life beyond the field can bring moments of pure joy and balance.
Teammates reportedly cheered the news during offseason training sessions, joking that Rivers had “kicked the biggest goal of his life.” Fans, too, shared their delight, with social media posts celebrating the couple’s engagement drawing thousands of likes and comments within hours.
The proposal itself showcased Rivers’ romantic side, with the Fiji location chosen carefully for its tranquility and beauty. The couple had been vacationing there as a post-season getaway, taking time to unwind after a demanding AFL campaign. According to friends close to the pair, Rivers had been planning the proposal for months, coordinating the timing and ring design with help from family members and close mates.
Stubberfield, known for her work in modeling and fashion, has frequently supported Rivers throughout his AFL journey, attending games and posting proud moments of his on-field achievements. Their relationship, while public, has always been marked by authenticity — a quality fans appreciate in the often high-profile world of professional sport.
While the engagement represents a deeply personal moment for the young couple, it has also brought a welcome wave of positivity to Melbourne’s offseason narrative. After a stretch of headlines dominated by trade rumors, internal reviews, and questions about the team’s future, Rivers and Stubberfield’s news reminded supporters that there’s still plenty of heart within the Demons’ ranks.
Club officials and teammates have reportedly reached out privately to congratulate the pair, with one source describing Rivers as “absolutely over the moon” and eager to start planning the next chapter of his life alongside Stubberfield. The couple has not yet revealed wedding plans, but given their flair for style and love of travel, fans can expect something elegant and memorable when the big day arrives.
For now, the focus remains on celebration and gratitude. As Stubberfield summed it up in her post, “I still can’t believe I get to call you my fiancé.”
The engagement also highlights the growing trend of AFL players sharing major life moments with fans online — bridging the gap between athletes and supporters through genuine, heartfelt experiences. In Rivers’ case, his proposal video has already become one of the most shared player moments of the offseason.
As Melbourne prepares for the 2026 season, the love story between Trent Rivers and Paris Stubberfield stands as a shining example of balance — proof that even in the high-pressure world of professional sport, joy and connection remain at the heart of it all.
And while the future of several teammates may remain uncertain, there’s one thing fans can be sure of: Trent Rivers has found his forever teammate.
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