AFL Draft 2025: Josh Lindsay, Dyson Sharp light it up in AFL Academy match

A Victorian halfback with a lethal left foot again starred in a key match to push his top-10 credentials in this year’s draft. See who else starred in Sunday’s AFL academy match.

A halfback from Geelong with a lethal left-foot is pushing up club draft boards as he continues to go from strength-to-strength in his top-age season.

Josh Lindsay was named the best player for the AFL Academy in an exhibition match against VFL outfit Coburg on Sunday, shining brightly in front of dozens of recruiters on a gloomy Melbourne day at Whitten Oval.

Lindsay collected 25 disposals at 80 per cent efficiency across halfback, providing run and drive for his side.

Of his touches, 19 were kicks and he was not afraid to bite off aggressive options through the corridor at times.

“I do like kicking the ball,” Lindsay said.

“That’s probably my main strength. So if I can use that, I’ll be happy.

“I like watching a bit of Errol Gulden and Hayden Young. They’re probably the main two. I love watching them kick the ball.”

Josh Lindsay won the medal as the best player for the AFL Academy side in an exhibition match against VFL outfit Coburg. Picture: Getty Images

Lindsay was also the best player for Team Heppell in the under-17 Futures game last September and has continued his development this year, including spending time onball for the Geelong Falcons in the opening round of the Coates Talent League season.

“I’ll probably progress through the midfield a little bit as the year goes on,” Lindsay said.

“It’s a good learning experience playing all the different positions, but halfback is probably the main one.

“I’ve been happy with my start (to the season). I’ve been in a few different programs with Falcons at the start of the year and then Academy the past few weeks. I’ve learnt a lot and I’m looking to really build on the year with (Geelong) Grammar coming up.”

Lindsay – who is shaping a top-10 draft prospect – won the medal on Sunday ahead of South Australian onballer Dyson Sharp, who was also terrific.

Sharp won 13 disposals in a blistering opening quarter, before finishing the day with 26 disposals, five clearances, nine inside-50s and a nice goal on the run during the third quarter.

He rotated across half-forward when he wasn’t in the thick of the action and showed his competitive nature with his pressure and tackling when he didn’t have the ball.

South Australian Dyson Sharp also had a super game for the AFL Academy, particularly in the first half. Picture: Getty Images

Big-bodied onballer Oliver Greeves (22 disposals, four clearances) was also impressive, while talented utility Willem Duursma (20 disposals, eight marks) worked his way into the game as he pushed up from defence in the second half.

Mobile ruckman-forward Cooper Duff-Tytler (12 disposals, one goal) again showed some exciting signs with his ability to stream forward with the footy from centre bounce and take big marks around the ground.

West Coast Next Generation Academy product Wes Walley made the most of his opportunities with two goals, while key forward Archie Ludowyke also slotted two majors.

The AFL Academy won the match by 23 points, after suffering a 13-point loss to Richmond’s VFL side in their first exhibition match two weeks earlier.

AFL Academy 11.13 (79) d Coburg 8.8 (56)

AFL Academy Top Disposals: Dyson Sharp 26, Josh Lindsay 25, Oliver Greeves 22, Willem Duursma 20, Harley Barker 17, Beau Addinsall 16, Dylan Patterson 15, Thomas Burton 15, Louis Emmett 15.

AFL Academy Goals: Archie Ludowyke 2, Wes Walley 2, Beau Addinsall, Daniel Annable, Cody Curtin, Cooper Duff-Tytler, Louis Emmett, Dylan Patterson, Dyson Sharp.