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“You’re leading by example”: How WAGS and socialites are showing their support for Nadia Bartel

They're rallying around their pal during this difficult time.
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In the wake of her acrimonious split from AFL legend Jimmy Bartel, Nadia’s nearest and dearest are showing their full support for the fashion blogger, proving whose side they’re taking during this difficult time. 

After attending the Women Driving Change event hosted by Mercedes-Benz at the Port Melbourne Yacht Club, the mum-of-two shared a photo from her first public appearance since news broke her husband had moved on with another woman.

Showing off her slender figure in an off-white long sleeve jumper and matching pants, she captioned the stunning Instagram post“It was great to be part of it. The energy in the room. Women can do it all.” 

Her return to social media saw a number of Australian socialites and fellow WAGS praise the 34-year-old for putting on a brave face. 

“Well done babe,” WAG Jessie Murphy commented. “CAN AND WILL you are incredible girl,” her close friend Erin Holland added. 

EXCLUSIVE: Jimmy Bartel seen publicly for first time after marriage breakup

“There she is, gorgeous Nards,” celebrity stylist Lana Wilkinson also commented. 

Yeaahhhhh girl! There you are!!!! Leading by example! 💙,” Emma Hawkins added to which Alex Fevola—who is married to former footy player Brendan— responded, “Beautiful.” 

WATCH: Nadia Bartel speaks about being a ‘time poor’ single mum after Jimmy Bartel split

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During the event, Nadia is said to have displayed a mix of emotions, however, remained mostly “happy and confident” throughout the day.

She reportedly chatted about her children, describing them as her “number one priority”.

“Everything comes second to that. I still want to have goals. I’m passionate about what I do, and I want my children to look up to that, and see mum is doing something she’s passionate about,” she said. 

Nadia’s appearance comes weeks after the Bartels— who have long been considered one of AFL’s most glamorous couples— quietly split. As she deals with the fallout from her bitter breakup with her husband of five years, the retired footy star’s rumoured girlfriend Lauren Mand is said to be enjoying her 15 minutes of fame.

According to the Herald Sun, the British-based Australian socialite has “long been referring to Jimmy as her boyfriend” and is allegedly happy news of their unexpected relationship made headlines last week. Some have even claimed the aspiring WAG has been trying to break into their social circles for years in the hope of elevating her status. 

Nadia is said to be aware that more information about Jimmy’s new partner will come to light.

The fashion influencer— who shares sons Aston, 3, and Henley, nine months with Jimmy— is said to be “bracing herself”. 

Lauren Mand has now been linked to Jimmy

Nadia publicly acknowledged his new relationship last week, admitting she’s having a “difficult” time coming to terms with their separation, all the while grappling with the fact her husband of five years has already moved on. 

Despite steering the conversation away from discussing his new relationship, a friend told The New Daily that she discovered Jimmy’s new romance with Lauren through text message. 

“Although I’m heartbroken, I don’t want to comment specifically on what’s been reported about Jim’s trip to the UK as I don’t think that is in anyone’s interests,” she told the outlet. “My single focus now is to continue to protect, care and provide for my two beautiful boys as this is a personal matter.” 

Earlier this month, Jimmy opened up about the breakdown of their marriage on 3AW’s pre-match coverage, admitting that the situation is “not great”.  

“I am probably not going to provide any commentary on it,” the retired footy player said. “I know I am in the public eye and people are interested, but it is a private matter and I ask for a bit of respect because obviously Nadia and the boys [are] involved. I know I am in the public eye and people are interested, but it is a private matter and I ask for a bit of respect because obviously Nadia and the boys [are] involved.” 

Their comments come days after the socialite— who no longer follows her estranged husband on social media— was bashed on Instagram, with one nasty user suggesting she might want to avoid flying with budget airline Jetstar in case she bumps into her ex-husband’s rumoured new girlfriend. The troll also said the retired AFL star had “upgraded” to somebody that has “a real job and an actual personality”.   

As Nadia faced an onslaught of online abuse, one eagle-eyed follower noticed that reality TV star Alex Nation was following the troll and subsequently called her out on it

Given that you follow this troll and you have a very strong stance against online bullying, I would be interested in your thoughts…” the user wrote, tagging the Bachelor In Paradise star. 

Later clarifying she knew nothing of the troll’s activity, the mum-of-one replied: “I think this [the trolling] is absolutely disgusting and appalling and I will be unfollowing this person,” Alex began. “I’m not sure how I came to be following them. Thank you for making me aware of this.”

Last month, fans of the power couple noticed Nadia hadn’t been wearing her wedding ring in her social media posts, with many speculating they’d privately called it quits. Although Nadia hadn’t addressed their separation at that point, a cryptic story uploaded to Nadia’s Instagram appeared to suggest as much, hinting that she’s being comforted by the support of close friends at this time.

“People who resonate with your energy will always be there,” read the aspirational post she shared. “It’s soul family. Know your members.”

Nadia’s addition to the post was a kiss emoji with the words: “You all know who you are.

The couple first got together in 2008 at the Melbourne F1 Grand Prix, and had been inseparable until recent times. They married at the Bellarine Peninsula in February 2014, and share two beautiful boys.

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