Leading South Australian draft prospect Dyson Sharp has highlighted how playing senior footy for Central Districts across the past two seasons has unlocked another level in his game.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the AFL Draft National Combine on Friday, Sharp indicated that his exposure against the senior bodies gave him an appreciation of what it took to succeed at the next level.
Sharp played 15 senior games last year which gave him a strong foundation for his Larke-Medal winning 2025, where he added 11 further league games to his resume.
“It was my first opportunity to play against senior men, and to have that at such a young age, it opened my eyes a little bit to what could be," Sharp said.
“And then, this year (it) helped me within the AFL Academy games, which, for lots of guys coming through the ranks, that was their first real opportunity to play against senior men where I already had a few games under my belt.
“So it's been great to work with some of the great players from (the) SANFL.
“Harry Grant, who was a Magarey Medalist, playing against Tom Lewis, who was the Magarey Medallist, Harry Boyd… playing against high end talent like that really sets you up.
“I guess you can compare yourself to the type of football you want to be.”
A midfielder whose contested work has him viewed by many as a top 10 contender, Sharp's game diversified as 2025 progressed, which he credits to the opportunity to play SANFL senior footy.
“I tried to get a little bit more outside ball,” Sharp said.
“I've been noticed for my inside ability at the stoppage and using my body and my strengths inside.
“So for me, it was kind of transferring a little bit of that to the outside, getting simple uncontested and trying to use my foot.”
Another key aspect of Sharp's package is the leadership and professionalism he'll bring to an AFL environment.
Several coaches and players that Sharp has been involved with across his time in the talent pathway have noted his appetite for improvement and care for team performance amid individual pressures.
The teenager captained South Australia through the title-winning U18s National Championships.
“I love the role," Sharp said.
“I think it's probably just a label. At the end of the day, whether you're captain or not, you can still be a leader within a group, which is something that I strive to be.
“I like to be a voice within the group, and try and be a little bit of a role model to especially the younger guys.
“A good leader gets around his teammates and builds trust and connection within the group.
“So for this year, we had a very strong motto: you plus me equals, we which, yeah, we just tried to get every player to buy into.
“So for me, it was just making sure that everyone was building that trust and that connection.
“But leadership can go outside of footy as well.
“I think (you need to) just have the confidence to back yourself. And not be scared to voice your opinion.
“They're good qualities that a good leader has and that's something that I'm still striving to work on.”
With neither Adelaide nor Port Adelaide at this stage holding a top 10 pick, the strong likelihood is that Sharp will move interstate next year and he addressed a potential move.
“Going to any clubs can provide me with the dream that I've had since I was a kid," Sharp said.
“So whatever that may be, whoever that may be, I guess we'll jump that hurdle when it comes but at the end of the day, it's probably more likely that I headed interstate, but I've got a great support network at home.
“And we can communicate, not just face to face, but over the phone and from what I've heard from Charlie Nichols (and others) who have (had to move interstate) clubs are really good with helping you stay connected with your family and friends.”
