CENTRAL District midfielder Dyson Sharp was a near-automatic choice for the answer to a question we posed to every top-ager in the SANFL Under 18 State Academy – who would you take with pick one in the AFL Draft this year? 25 players were surveyed, with a resounding 19 naming Sharp.

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The prolific ball winner has long been touted as the finest talent in South Australia, if not the country, born in 2007. He was a two-time Under 16 All-Australian and claimed the Kevin Sheehan Medal in 2023, going on to make his state Under 18 debut last year along with earning a SANFL League berth.

Sharp is noted for his leadership qualities and high standards on and off the field. His state teammates gave glowing reviews, with the likes of South Adelaide’s Elliott Duffield stating you “can’t go past him”, and Eagles midfielder Lachlan Sands confirming he has “cemented himself” in the top echelon.

Often noted as the most vocal player out on the field, Sharp’s maturity is part of what has him “ready for that next level”, according to North Adelaide midfielder Blake Oudshoorn-Bennier. Sharp is so inspirational, that Sturt’s Jett Dahlitz said he would “run through a brick wall” for him.

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Another gun midfielder in Sam Cumming was shown plenty of love by his teammates. His name was mentioned five times, though the man himself put forward Queenslander Beau Addinsall as his choice. The Suns Academy member was best for Team Sloane in last year’s National Futures match.

The other player to earn his side’s best on ground award in that game was Geelong Falcons product Josh Lindsay, who was Harley Barker‘s choice. The pair trained together during the National Academy camp, with Barker remarking that Lindsay’s kicking ability is “incredible”.

Another Gold Coast Academy member, Zeke Uwland, was the only interstate player to earn more than one nomination. He was put forward by Centrals pair Sharp and Matthew LeRay, who are both also part of the National Academy. Uwland is the brother of current Sun, Bodhi.

Speaking of ‘brothers-of’, Willem Duursma was another brought up by Sharp. The Gippsland Power utility is looking to join siblings Xavier, Yasmin, and Zane in being drafted to AFL level. Similar can be said for Jevan Phillipou, the brother of Mattaes, who was the only player to boldly nominate himself.

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WHO WOULD YOU TAKE WITH PICK ONE?

Dyson Sharp (Central District) – 19 nominations
Sam Cumming (North Adelaide) – 5
Zeke Uwland (Suns Academy/Queensland) – 2
Beau Addinsall (Suns Academy/Queensland) – 1
Willem Duursma (Gippsland Power/Vic Country) – 1
Josh Lindsay (Geelong Falcons/Vic Country) – 1
Jevan Phillipou (Woodville-West Torrens) – 1