The AFL is pleased to announce the annual Grand Final Sprint will be presented by Gatorade in 2024 and will take place pre-game and during the half-time break of the 2024 Toyota AFL Grand Final on Saturday.
The Gatorade Grand Final Sprint will see participants from AFL clubs sprint the traditional 100m dash across the hallowed MCG turf, as they compete in two heats pre-game to determine the top-eight finalists.
The final race will then take place at half-time, with the winner crowned the fastest footballer in the League.
North Melbourne forward Eddie Ford will represent the Kangaroos.
AFL General Manager of Commercial Peta Webster said the Gatorade Grand Final Sprint is a much-loved tradition in September.
“As the Swans and Lions compete for premiership glory, the Gatorade Grand Final Sprint will allow fans of other clubs to cheer on their team on Grand Final day and is a must-watch each year.
“It’s fantastic to have Gatorade on board to support the sprint this year, and for the final to be back in the half-time slot as players battle it out to be the fastest over 100m.”
Gatorade is manufactured and distributed in Australia by Asahi Lifestyle Beverages, which is an exclusive partner of the AFL.
Stephan Anderson, General Manager Beverages PepsiCo ANZ, which owns Gatorade, said it was great to see Gatorade back to support the Grand Final Sprint as the Official Hydration Partner of the AFL.
“Gatorade has been an authentic part of the Australian sports landscape for nearly 25 years and has deep connections not just to the elite level but community sport. So being able to give back to grassroots footy as part of our Fuel Tomorrow program set to launch later this year.”
In honour of this year’s sprint winner, Gatorade will make a $5,000 donation to the winner’s junior football club, as part of their commitment to fuel the next generation of footballers.
The heats will take place at approximately 12.15pm (AEST), with the final to take place at half-time.
2024 Gatorade Grand Final Sprint participants
• Adelaide Crows – Will Hamill
• Brisbane Lions – Will McLachlan
• Carlton – Orazio Fantasia
• Collingwood – Beau McCreery
• Essendon – Ben Hobbs
• Fremantle – Jeremy Sharp
• Geelong Cats – Shaun Mannagh
• Gold Coast Suns – Tom Berry
• Hawthorn – Josh Weddle
• Melbourne – Oliver Sestan
• North Melbourne – Eddie Ford
• Port Adelaide – Jed McEntee
• Richmond – Dion Prestia
• St Kilda – Darcy Wilson
• Sydney Swans – Angus Sheldrick
• West Coast Eagles – Jai Culley
• Western Bulldogs – Riley Garcia
