CARLTON small forward Talor Byrne has been named as this week's Telstra AFL Rising Star nominee.  

In a breakout game, Byrne finished with a game-high 12 score involvements, an equal game-high three goals and two goal assists, to go with 17 disposals and four tackles - including a game-high three tackles inside 50.  

The 18-year-old also earned eight coaches’ votes for his performance as he continues to make his mark in his first AFL season.

It's the third Telstra AFL Rising Star nomination for the Blues in 2026, with Byrne following Jagga Smith (Round 1) and Harry Dean (Round 12) and the Club's sixth nomination since Round 10 last year. 

The Koroit local joined the Blues with pick No.45 in the 2025 Telstra AFL Draft, making his AFL debut in Round 3 against Melbourne where he joined a special group of players by kicking a goal with his first kick. 

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AFL R20 | Suns feel the Byrne as young Blue breaks out

Talor Byrne delivers the best game of his young career, kicking three goals to go with 17 disposals and a game-high 12 score involvements

Today’s announcement is a just reward for an excellent start to Byrne’s AFL career, which included an impressive game against West Coast in Round 16, where he kicked three goals, whilst also accumulating 11 disposals and five tackles.  

Regarded for his high training standards, leaning on the likes of Will Hayward and Frankie Evans, Byrne’s pressure inside 50 has become one of his game's trademarks and a big reason why he has already endeared himself in the hearts of the Navy Blue faithful. 

Byrne is one of six Carlton players to make their AFL debut this year alongside Jagga Smith, Harry Dean, Wade Derksen, Jack Ison and Flynn Riley. 

AFL Interim Senior Coach Josh Fraser praised Byrne's development, saying today's nomination was a fitting reward for his season so far. 

"Talor has brought an exciting spark to our forward line since the day he arrived at IKON Park," Fraser said. 

“What has really stood out for us all season is the pressure he brings to our forward half. For a smaller body, what he does overhead is elite, his work at ground level is also super impressive, while his decision-making with ball in hand continuing to improve every week.  

“Talor is the kind of player our fans should be genuinely excited to watch develop. He joins a really promising crop of young talent coming through, playing an exciting role in our Club as we move forward.”