Gold Coast’s home-grown talent Havana Harris has been named the Round Three Telstra AFLW Rising Star nominee.
In a brave fight against Yartapuulti, the young SUN showed her strengths across the field. Utilised as a driving force in the midfield and as firing weapon in the forward line, Harris amassed a career-high 17 disposals and kicked her second goal of the season, in addition to being involved in more than half of the SUNS scoring opportunities (seven).
The highly touted talent was Pick No.2 in the 2024 Telstra AFLW Draft and in just three AFLW games the StreetSmarts SUNS Academy product has become a household name.
The 19-year-old began her football journey as a junior at the Burleigh Bombers before progressing through to the Bond University Bull Sharks QAFLW side, where she was awarded best on ground in the 2023 premiership.
During her time in the StreetSmarts SUNS Academy, Harris also represented Queensland at the 2023 and 2024 Marsh AFL National Championships - U18 girls, where she received the Most Valuable Player award as a bottom-age player in 2023 before featuring in the 2024 Marsh AFL National Academy – Girls. Additionally, Havana was also named in back-to-back U18 All Australian teams.
Standing tall at 182cm, Harris is best known for her explosive speed, strength and height which has undoubtedly bolstered Rhyce Shaw’s side and will continue to be a key influence for years to come.
GC SUNS Head of Women’s football Fiona Sessarago was ecstatic for the widely adored Harris.
“We are thrilled for Havana. This nomination is a testament to the hard-work she puts in, not only on-field but also off-field, to strengthen her talent and perform at the highest level,” Sessarago said.
“She is a cherished member of our club, and it’s been a pleasure watching her flourish in the StreetSmarts SUNS Academy and continue to grow across the AFLW program.”
2025 Telstra AFLW Rising Star nominees:
R1: Lucia Painter (West Coast Eagles)
R2: Zippy Fish (Sydney Swans)
R3: Havana Harris (Gold Coast SUNS)
