The AFL has partnered with Telstra and Champion Data to trial advanced optical tracking technology at Marvel Stadium over the next two years. This initiative involves installing over 40 cameras to capture real-time data on player and ball movements, enhancing coaching, officiating, and fan engagement. The project signifies a major advancement in the integration of data technology within Australian football, aiming to improve the overall experience for teams and spectators alike.
March 16, 2026 AFL to Trial Optical Tracking Technology at Marvel Stadium The AFL and Telstra have announced a two-year partnership with Champion Data to trial advanced optical tracking technology at Marvel Stadium, marking a significant step forward in how data and vision technology can support the future of Australian football. The initiative will see more than 40 cameras installed throughout the venue, creating a sophisticated system capable of tracking both players and the ball during live matches. Optical tracking uses high-resolution camera systems and computer vision to capture players’ and the ball’s movements, enabling real-time generation of detailed spatial data. Champion Data has been developing its optical tracking capability over the past two years, led by Head of Machine Learning and AI Dr Stuart Morgan. The trial builds on the live ball tracking technology introduced during the 2025 AFL season and represents the next phase in integrating optical tracking with existing event and device data systems. “Optical tracking allows us to capture the full spatial picture of the game in real time. By combining computer vision with Champion Data’s event and analytics systems, we can unlock new insights for coaching, officiating and fan experiences.”
 Dr Stuart Morgan
 Head of Machine Learning and AI, Champion Data What Optical Tracking Enables The technology will generate detailed spatial data that can support fan engagement, coaching insights and officiating tools. For clubs and coaches, this includes deeper analysis of team structures, player movement and in-game decision-making. The technology also opens new possibilities for officiating, including goal-line technology and additional decision-support tools for match officials. In the medical and performance space, high-quality vision capture may assist with concussion assessment and player welfare monitoring. The project is supported by significant upgrades to the stadium’s connectivity infrastructure. Telstra has rebuilt its network at Marvel Stadium, integrating 4G, 5G and Wi-Fi capability to enable the high-speed data transmission required to process camera feeds and generate real-time analytics during play. The trial is expected to begin following camera installation in mid-2026, with insights gathered throughout the two-year program helping inform how optical tracking technology could be implemented more broadly across AFL venues. The initiative follows the successful rollout of Telstra Touch and Track, developed by the AFL, Telstra and Champion Data, which allows fans who are blind or have low vision to follow live AFL matches by physically feeling player and ball movement.

AFL Executive General Manager Customer, Commercial and Technology Bec Haagsma said the trial represents an important step in the continued evolution of the game. “Optical tracking puts the AFL and Marvel Stadium at the forefront of how technology can shape the future of our game, both on and off the field,” Haagsma said. Telstra Group Owner of IT Software Engineering, Product and Technology Nathan Gumley said the technology will help bring fans closer to the action.
“Optical tracking is a step change in how we understand the game and how we bring fans closer to it. Through collaboration with the AFL and Champion Data, we’re unlocking richer and faster insights that can power everything from officiating to personalised digital experiences.” Champion Data CEO Aaron Cross said the program reflects the company’s long-term commitment to advancing sports data and technology.
“Champion Data commenced our optical tracking program two years ago, appointing Dr Stuart Morgan to lead the program. In the 2025 AFL season we delivered live ball tracking. This next phase represents a potentially world-first integration of optical tracking with event and device technologies in a live ecosystem for the AFL.” The program represents a unique step forward for the AFL and reflects Champion Data’s ambition to push the boundaries of how team sports are analysed and interpreted. By combining optical tracking with event and device technologies, the project aims to build one of the most comprehensive datasets in professional sport globally, with learnings that could help shape the future of data-driven analysis as similar technologies are adopted in other elite sports. About the Optical Tracking Trial Location: Marvel Stadium Technology: Optical tracking using 40+ cameras Trial duration: Two years Partners: AFL, Telstra, Champion Data Expected start: Mid-2026
Curated by Taleb Kabbara · Source: www.championdata.com
AFL, Telstra, Champion Data, Marvel Stadium
Partnership Tracker, Fan Engagement Hub, Stadium Financing Model, Investment Scorecard, Ticketing & Venue Ops
AFL: The AFL is the governing body of Australian rules football and is partnering with Telstra and Champion Data to trial optical tracking technology at Marvel Stadium.
Telstra: Telstra is a telecommunications company that has partnered with the AFL and Champion Data to support the optical tracking technology trial at Marvel Stadium.
Champion Data: Champion Data is a sports data and technology company that is collaborating with the AFL and Telstra to trial optical tracking technology at Marvel Stadium.
Marvel Stadium: Marvel Stadium is the venue where the AFL, Telstra, and Champion Data will trial the optical tracking technology.
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