Harry Sharp to depart Brisbane Lions in hope of more AFL opportunities with Melbourne

Desperate for more games in the AFL, a fringe midfielder has left the Brisbane Lions to join the Melbourne Demons.

Departing midfielder Harry Sharp is leaving Brisbane with “mixed emotions” after securing a trade to Melbourne.

Sharp, 21, heads to the Demons as part of a deal in which Brisbane will receive pick 49 in this year’s draft and a future third-round pick, which is tied to Essendon.

In four seasons at the Lions since being chosen at No.43 in the 2020 national draft, Sharp made 16 AFL appearances, and was an among the emergencies for Brisbane’s grand final win over Sydney last month,

“I leave the Brisbane Lions with mixed emotions, while as I seek more opportunities, I also say goodbye to this great club that I love,” said Sharp ahead of his return to his home state of Victoria.

“I arrived at the Gabba as a teenager moving away from home and moving interstate, and everyone at the Lions made it so much easier for me.

“I will be forever grateful to the Lions for making my AFL dream come true, all the work everyone has put into me and for the relationships I have made.”

Harry Sharp been traded to the Melbourne Demons. Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Lions football manager Danny Daly said the club was understanding of Sharp’s desire for more top-flight football.

“Harry has always been a popular member of the club and should be proud of what he achieved during his four seasons with us,” Daly said.

“Despite consistently developing his game, unfortunately Harry was fighting for a spot in a strong midfield of a team regularly playing finals and in a premiership era.

“We understand his wish to join Melbourne for more opportunities, and we thank Harry and his family for their contribution to the Brisbane Lions and wish them well.”

Meanwhile, the Gold Coast has completed a three-club trade with Collingwood and Port Adelaide that will being John Noble to the Suns from the Magpies.

As part of the trade, Jack Lukosius and Rory Atkins will leave the Suns to join Port Adelaide.

Apart from securing Noble, Gold Coast will also receive pick 39 in this year’s draft and two future first-round selections currently tied to Collingwood and Port Adelaide in exchange for Lukosius, Atkins and picks 13, 29 and 50 in the upcoming draft.

Suns general manager of player talent and strategy Craig Cameron said Noble would help improve the club’s “rebound defence” and add “valuable experience”.

“After discussions with Jack and Rory, we have agreed facilitating a trade was in the best interests of all involved,” Cameron said.

Originally published as Harry Sharp to depart Brisbane Lions in hope of more AFL opportunities with Melbourne