SUNS midfielder Jai Murray has earned the club’s second Telstra Rising Star nomination of the season.

In just his third AFL game, the StreetSmarts SUNS Academy graduate was strong in the SUNS midfield, collecting 17 disposals at 82% efficiency to go with seven marks and five tackles.

Murray was selected with Pick 17 in last year’s AFL Draft by his hometown club before living out his dream with a debut in Round 13 against the Brisbane Lions.

Most frequently seen on the wing in his first three games, the 19-year-old has shown poise beyond his years, adapting quickly to the speed and intensity of AFL football.

We’re thrilled for Jai to have earned our second Rising Star nomination for the season,” GC SUNS General Manager of Football Craig Cameron said.

“Jai has navigated some injury setbacks across the off-season, but has put in a tremendous amount of work and is now taking his opportunity with both hands.

“It’s fantastic for him to earn this recognition after an impressive start to his career.”

Murray was one of five Burleigh Bombers products to feature in Friday night’s side, alongside Bodhi and Zeke Uwland, Opening Round Rising Star nominee Leo Lombard and debutant Beau Addinsall.

He joins fellow StreetSmarts SUNS Academy graduates in Lombard, Ethan Read, Jake Rogers, Bodhi Uwland and Will Graham in having earned Telstra Rising Star nominations in recent seasons.

2026 Telstra AFL Rising Star nominees: