Telstra New Naming Rights Partner Of AFL/AFLW Drafts, Rising Star Awards

Telstra, a long-standing supporter of the AFL and its communities for over two decades, has reinforced its commitment by extending its partnership to nurture the stars of the future. In 2024, Telstra will serve as the naming rights partner for the AFL and AFLW Drafts, as well as the AFL and AFLW Rising Star Awards.

The Telstra AFL Rising Star award will shine a spotlight on the most outstanding young player of the 2024 Toyota AFL Season and NAB AFLW Season, with each winner set to receive a grand prize of $15,000. This initiative aims to recognise and celebrate the emerging talent within the sport.

Furthermore, Telstra will play a pivotal role in supporting the upcoming drafts, namely the Telstra AFL Draft and the Telstra AFLW Draft, where clubs will have the opportunity to select their future game-changers.

Kylie Rogers, AFL’s Executive General Manager of Customer and Commercial, expressed the league’s excitement about Telstra’s expanded partnership and its dedication to nurturing the rising stars of Australian Rules Football.

Telstra’s increased involvement, which includes initiatives such as the Telstra Footy Country Grants program supporting grassroots clubs, signifies a shared vision for fostering the growth of the game from the grassroots level to the elite stage.

As Telstra continues its longstanding support of the AFL, the partnership extension underscores a mutual commitment to investing in the next generation of AFL and AFLW stars through the prestigious Rising Star Awards and Draft process. This collaboration aims to further elevate the sport and empower young talents to excel on and off the field.

The reigning AFL Rising Star recipient, Harry Sheezel, and AFLW Rising Star winner, Zarlie Goldsworthy, welcomed Telstra’s partnership, recognising the significance of such support in propelling the careers of emerging players.

The Telstra AFL Rising Star will be announced during the AFL Awards night in September, while the Telstra AFLW Rising Star will be revealed at the W Awards. With the 2024 Telstra AFL Draft scheduled for November and the Telstra AFLW Draft date to be confirmed, the anticipation for the next wave of football talent continues to build.

Fans eager to stay updated on the 2024 Telstra AFL Rising Star nominations and award details can find more information on the official AFL website.