The AFL is pleased to announce Australian sporting royalty Cathy Freeman will start the 2026 Telstra Half-Time Sprint on Toyota AFL Grand Final Day.
The Sydney 2000 Olympic 400m gold medallist will fire the starting pistol as eight of footy’s fastest players race across the MCG’s hallowed turf for the title of the fastest footballer.
In a Telstra Half-Time Sprint first, the Tasmania Devils will be represented by Brandon Leary, as the AFL’s soon to be 19th club takes its place in one of Grand Final Day’s most anticipated traditions.
The seven other players lining up in the starting blocks will be reigning Telstra Half-Time Sprint champion Jed Walter (Gold Coast SUNS), Willem Duursma (West Coast Eagles), Luke Davies-Uniacke (North Melbourne), Arthur Jones (Western Bulldogs), Jarman Impey (Hawthorn), Ollie Florent (Carlton) and Aliir Aliir (Port Adelaide).
The seven AFL players were selected using Telstra Tracker data and will contest the traditional 100 metre dash to claim the coveted Telstra Half-Time Sprint crown.
Telstra will once again present the iconic race in partnership with the AFL, bringing the action to fans at the MCG and those watching around the country.
Jack Heverin will make his debut calling the Telstra Half-Time Sprint live on Seven, 7plus and Triple M.
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 its commitment to grassroots football.
Cathy Freeman said:
“I’m really excited to fire the starting pistol for the Telstra Half-Time Sprint. AFL Grand Final Day is such a massive occasion, and I can’t wait to see who takes home this year’s Telstra Half-Time Sprint title and the 2026 AFL Premiership.”
AFL Executive General Manager Customer, Commercial and Technology Bec Haagsma said:
“Grand Final week is the biggest week in the Australian sporting calendar, and the Telstra Half-Time Sprint gives fans from every club another reason to tune in and cheer on Grand Final Day.
“We’re thrilled to once again partner with Telstra to bring one of Grand Final Day’s most anticipated traditions to life, while having an Australian sporting icon in Cathy Freeman involved makes this year’s event even more special.
“With some of the AFL’s fastest players lining up over 100 metres, including the first representative from the Tasmania Devils, fans can expect a thrilling contest as they race for bragging rights and the coveted Telstra Half-Time Sprint crown.”
Telstra Consumer Executive, Tom Beach, said:
"This year, we wanted our Grand Final entertainment to be a celebration of Australian talent from start to finish. We’re incredibly proud to have one of Australia’s greatest sporting icons, Cathy Freeman, join us to fire the starter’s gun as some incredible players race to win for their junior clubs. Cathy’s achievements continue to inspire Australians decades on and she shares our passion for bringing people together through sport. With another Australian icon, Kylie Minogue, set to headline our pre-game entertainment, fans can look forward to a truly memorable day celebrating the very best of Australia on and off the field."
2025 Telstra Half-Time Sprint winner and Gold Coast SUNS forward Jed Walter said:
“Saturday is set to be a great contest between Fremantle and Brisbane. As much as I would have loved to be playing on Grand Final Day, I’m excited to be part of the biggest day on the AFL calendar again through the Telstra Half-Time Sprint and have the opportunity to defend my crown.”
2026 Telstra Half-Time Sprint participants:
- Ollie Florent (Carlton)
- Jed Walter (Gold Coast SUNS)
- Jarman Impey (Hawthorn)
- Luke Davies-Uniacke (North Melbourne)
- Aliir Aliir (Port Adelaide)
- Brandon Leary (Tasmania Devils)
- Willem Duursma (West Coast Eagles)
- Arthur Jones (Western Bulldogs)
