The AFL is reportedly plotting a surprising move to host Aussie sprint sensation Gout Gout to this year’s Grand Final.

It comes as whispers are circulating in footy circles that the Foo Fighters are set to take centre stage as this year’s pre-match entertainment.

The AFL is striving to capture more attention for their premier event, the Grand Final, by finding innovative approaches to enhance the excitement surrounding it.

It is unclear whether he would participate in the annual race against some of the AFL’s fastest players, or whether he would act as a race starter.

However, the outlet reports that the 17-year-old’s management has been approached by footy bosses over a potential collaboration.

Footy chiefs are attempting to entice Aussie sprint star Gout Gout to the AFL for one of the league’s biggest events 

AFL bosses reportedly want Gout Gout to play a part in this year’s Grand Final Sprint 

It comes as bosses (Pictured: AFL CEO Andrew Dillon) are looking at ways to increase the exposure of the AFL Grand Final 

AFL spokesperson Jay Allen explained, “The Grand Final Sprint is a cherished tradition of the day, and we continuously aim to elevate the race and increase public interest. We will share any updates as we approach the Toyota AFL Grand Final.”

Last year, Collingwood speedster Beau McCreery won the Grand Final Sprint, as Brisbane thumped Sydney to win their first flag since 2003.

This year’s Grand Final is scheduled for Saturday, September 27, coinciding well for Gout Gout, who plans to compete in the 200m at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo just a week before the AFL’s main event.

Gout Gout smashed the Oceanian record in the distance back in December, posting a time of 20.04, and will make his debut for the Australian team later this year.

‘I’m super excited to be picked to run the 200m in Tokyo at the World Championships! That’s what we’ve been aiming for,’ he said.

Over the past 12 months, Gout Gout has captivated the nation with his sensational talent.

He made headlines in December when he smashed Peter Norman’s 56-year record in the national 200.

Many have made comparisons between Gout Gout and Olympic champion Usain Bolt.

The league hosts the Grand Final Sprint each year ahead of the match, and are hopeful Gout Gout can either compete in the race or act as a celebrity race starter 

Gout Gout (second from right) will travel to Japan in the weeks prior to the Grand Final to compete at the 2025 World Championships 

‘He looks like a young me,’ Bolt wrote.

But the humble young sprinter has spoken out about the comparisons, adding that he just wanted to focus on his dream of racing internationally for Australia.

‘At times it does get a bit overwhelming but, now that I’ve grown up, I’m a bit mature and my circle really helps me stay level and I’m just trying to make a name for myself,’ Gout Gout said to Channel 7.

‘My dream is I want to be one of the best track and field athletes Australia has ever seen.

‘I want to go to the ’28 Olympics in LA. I want to go to the Brisbane Olympics.

‘And I just want to show the world that I’m Gout and how I’m here to stay and the Olympics is the best place to do that.’

Gout Gout is understood to have a good relationship with the Australian broadcaster, Seven, who will broadcast the 2025 Grand Final.

The 17-year-old is also midway through his studies at Ipswich Grammar School in Queensland.

Over the past 12 months, Gout Gout (pictured) has taken the sporting world by storm with his incredible feats and has garnered comparisons to speed king Usain Bolt

The Year 12 student’s management has subsequently been careful with his brand and public appearances.

It comes at a time when the AFL is competing to grow their audiences against other sports in the country.

The NRL have been working hard to think of new and innovative ways to broaden their exposure, with their Las Vegas fixtures being one innovative example.

Last year, the AFL paid popstar Katy Perry $1.4million to perform at the Grand Final, while in 2022, Robbie Williams was drafted in to perform.