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.”
