Gold Coast SUNS key forward Jed Walter will defend his Telstra Half-Time Sprint title at Saturday’s AFL Grand Final.

Standing at 195cm tall, Walter remarkably stormed to victory in 2025 and will return to the MCG this Saturday in pursuit of back-to-back Half-Time Sprint crowns.

While the StreetSmarts SUNS Academy graduate is well known for his strength overhead and prowess inside forward 50, his acceleration and raw power place him among the league’s elite over short distances.

The 21-year-old is eager to defend his title on the AFL’s biggest stage.

“It was a pretty awesome opportunity to be part of Grand Final day last year and I’m looking forward to taking part in the Half-Time Sprint again this year,” Walter said.

“I’m feeling fitter and stronger than I did at the end of last season, so hopefully I can go a little quicker as well.

“The ultimate goal is to be one of the two teams playing on Saturday and hopefully we get the chance to be part of many more in the years to come.”

Sporting royalty Cathy Freeman will start the 2026 Telstra Half-Time Sprint on Saturday with Telstra to make a $5,000 donation to be made to the winner’s junior football club.

Walter earlier this year penned a contract extension that will see him remain in SUNS colours until the end of 2029.