The biggest event of this year is finally upon us.
Yes, the 2025 AFL Grand Final Telstra Half-Time Sprint is here, and the field has been announced with a different twist.
So, lets take a look at each individual runner and why they can win.
MORE: The matchups that will define the 2025 AFL Grand Final
Maurice Rioli ($4.50 on Sportsbet)
Why he can win:
Rioli this season has joined Lebron James as two of the best chase down specialists in world sports, and he can thank his blistering pace for it.
Rioli's unrivaled acceleration was the reason he was able to chase down West Coast Eagles midfielder Brady Hough in Round 19, a tackle that elevated himself into chase-down folklore.
Rioli also clocked in the second fastest top speed of the season, reaching 35.9 km/h in Round 18.
Jed Walter ($5)
Why he can win:
He can't, right?
A big, powerful six foot five key forward isn't the prototype for a sprinter, but Walter may shock the world.
It has been well reported that his top speed will rival anyone in the competition - and his odds reflect that - but can he sustain it over 100 meters?
Toby Greene ($26)
Why he can win:
I'm not so sure he can, and Greene himself doesn't think so.
"I'm a good bet for last," Greene said on Fox Footy.
Greene has established himself as one of the best players in the league for the last five plus years, but his top speed as a now 32-year-old may have left him.
"They (Telstra) think I am quick, but I have made it clear I will not win," Greene said.
"McCreery, he might beat me by 20 meters."
Beau McCreery ($2.75 Favourite)
Why he can win:
He absolutely can.
As the defending champion, McCreery has established himself as one of the fastest players in our league, and his 2024 Grand Final sprint victory justifies that.
According to Collingwood's social media team, McCreery won last year's sprint in a blistering 10.18 seconds.
McCreery is a justified favourite to go back to back.
Nick Blakey ($3.75)
Why he can win:
The Lizard was named the Telstra Tracker 2025 Fastest Footballer, after notching a top speed of 36.1 km/hr.
While we are yet to see Blakey's speed over a 100-meter sprint, his scintillating top speed may be enough to power him through and take out this year's sprint.
Jack Higgins ($26)
Why he can win:
Higgins is extremely well respected for his great goal nous and ability to kick goals not many other players could.
But speed has never been his best attribute.
"Unlike some of the other small forwards on offer in the AFL, Higgins doesn't possess elite speed," was Higgins draft analysis, and he will need a lot to go right to win this sprint.
Murphy Reid ($13)
Why he can win:
An incredible rookie season for Reid was capped off on Monday night, taking out the 2025 Telstra AFL Rising Star award.
Could he add another award to his stellar rookie season?
Reid possesses speed to burn, which he has shown time and time again this season, and he will be right there at the finish.
Harry Garside ($15)
Why he can win:
Olympic boxer Harry Garside will add a different dimension to this year's sprint.
Well known for his endurance inside the ring, Garside's endurance outside the ring is also outstanding.
In August 2025, Garside ran a blistering personal best of 2:39:22 at the Sydney Marathon, but will his short distance speed be enough to take down some of the AFL's best?
2025 Telstra Half-Time Sprint
Maurice Rioli (Richmond)
Jed Walter (Gold Coast)
Toby Greene (Greater Western Sydney)
Beau McCreery (Collingwood)
Nick Blakey (Sydney)
Jack Higgins (St Kilda)
Murphy Reid (Fremantle)
Harry Garside