THE AFL is pleased to announce the return of the iconic Telstra Half-Time Sprint on NAB AFLW Grand Final Day with the full line up of sprinters confirmed and international athletics star Jess Hull to make a special guest appearance.
The Telstra Half-Time Sprint will see seven of the league’s fastest players, as selected by Telstra Tracker data, sprint the 100-metre dash across IKON Park to take the crown of fastest footballer in the league.
Taking to the turf will be 2024 AFLW Best and Fairest Ebony Marinoff from the Adelaide Crows, Gold Coast SUNS co-captain Lucy Single, 2025 Telstra Rising Star winner Zippy Fish from the Sydney Swans, dual All Australian and two-time Geelong best and fairest Georgie Prespakis, Melbourne young gun Molly O’Hehir, two-time All Australian Ella Roberts from West Coast, and Western Bulldogs Premiership player and three-time All Australian Ellie Blackburn.
Adding to the excitement of the Telstra Half-Time Sprint and going head-to-head with the AFLW players will be Australian Diamonds netballer Jo Weston, who will test her pace against the seven players across the 100m race.
After a 1500m World Championships bronze medal in September, Jess Hull will be on hand to watch the iconic race and fire the starting gun to get the Telstra Half-Time Sprint underway.
AFL Executive General Manager Customer, Commercial and Technology Bec Haagsma said the Telstra Half-Time Sprint will be great contest on Saturday.
“As North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos and Brisbane Lions compete on field for Premiership glory, the fans will have more to cheer for with the Telstra Half-Time Sprint seeing some of the quickest in the game go head-to-head.
“It’s fantastic to have Telstra on board to support the sprint this year for its return at the NAB AFLW Grand Final, and we are honoured to have Australian athletics sensation Jess Hull fire the starting gun for the must watch race.”
Telstra Sponsorship Manager, Dominique Barlow said:
“We’ve loved watching the speed and skill of the AFLW players throughout the season, and look forward to celebrating the athleticism of female sporting stars at this year’s Telstra Half-Time Sprint.
“It’s sure to be an incredible race with Olympian Jess Hull starting the race and our very own Telstra AFL Rising Star Zippy Fish in the mix. We’re proud to support an event that showcases the talent and energy driving women’s sports forward.”
AFLW player Zippy Fish said:
“Absolutely would’ve loved to be out there playing on Saturday but stoked to still be a part of the biggest day on the W calendar racing in the Telstra Half-Time sprint.
Can’t wait to dash across IKON Park against the other players and Jo, and it’s incredible to be able to meet Jess Hull and have her watching.”
Jess Hull said:
“I’m super excited to be in Melbourne this weekend for the Telstra AFLW Half-Time Sprint.
“It’s been captivating watching the energy in each match so I can't wait to continue that with the Telstra Half-Time Sprint this Saturday.”
Telstra will present the Half-Time Sprint in 2025 partnering with the AFLW to bring the beloved race on IKON Park to fans in stadium and those watching from around the country.
In honour of this year’s sprint winner, Telstra will make a $5,000 donation to the winner’s junior football club as part of their commitment to community football.
2025 Telstra Half-Time Sprint participants:
- Ebony Marinoff (Adelaide Crows - Lockleys Football Club)
- Lucy Single (GC SUNS - Burleigh Bombers)
- Georgie Prespakis (Geelong - Romsey Football Club)
- Molly O'Hehir (Melbourne - South Coogee Junior Football Club)
- Zippy Fish (Sydney Swans - East Fremantle Football Club)
- Ella Roberts (West Coast Eagles - Margaret River Junior Football Club)
- Ellie Blackburn (Western Bulldogs - Beaconsfield)
- Jo Weston (Australian Diamonds - Bright Football Netball Club)
