THE ADAGE of saving your best for last was taken up by Geelong Falcons prospect Josh Lindsay, whose crowning moment came in the 2024 National Futures match. Taking to the MCG on AFL Grand Final day, he was named best afield for Team Heppell with 20 disposals in a thrilling seven-point victory.

His performance capped off a consistent bottom-age campaign, and followed through to his impressive showing for Vic Country in August’s Under 17 Futures trial against NSW/ACT. Lindsay also made seven appearances for Coates Talent League minor premiers Geelong Falcons, averaging 17 touches.

Whether on the wing, on-ball or roaming across half-back, Lindsay’ ball use stands out above most others. Fellow AFL Academy member Harley Barker described the utility’s kicking ability as “incredible”, having both played on the Team Heppell side before training together in preseason.

Lindsay is now primed for a top-age season splitting time between the Falcons, Vic Country, National Academy, and APS side Geelong Grammar School. His talents were obvious before, but were put into greater focus on the big stage late last year. We dig deeper into Lindsay’s star turn.

Geelong FalconsDefender-Midfielder

Josh Lindsay

Height: 182cm

Weight: -

DOB: 07-04-2007

2024 Coates Talent League
7 games | 17.0 disposals | 3.9 marks | 1.7 tackles | 2.6 rebound 50s

2024 National Under 17 Futures
Team Heppell 9.16 (70) def. Team Sloane 9.9 (63)
Saturday September 28 @ MCG, Melbourne

Stats: 20 disposals (18 kicks), 89% kick efficiency, 20 uncontested possessions, 7 marks, 13 handball receives, 3 rebound 50s

>> Click here for the full Scouting Notes

The nature of the annual Futures showcase is for selected players to display their strengths and play a free-flowing brand of football. Lindsay’s composure, cleanliness, and sharp ball use were elevated as a result, as others’ efficiency tended to waver under the high pace and intensity of the contest.

Most prospects were rotated into different roles but Lindsay was a relative mainstay on the wing for Team Heppell, while also spending time in defence. He made a steady start matched up against Jack Dalton, having just two touches in the opening quarter with both coming in the first eight minutes.

Having lifted his output in term two with a bit of time in defence, Lindsay started to become one of his side’s most effective outlets. He would drop back and support Team Heppell’s ball movement, often using his point of difference as a left-footer to cut inside, shift angles, and attack the corridor.

The third quarter was arguably Lindsay’s best, as he racked up a high of seven disposals (all kicks) to help cut into Team Sloane’s lead. His 12-touch second half – again, all kicks – featured an array of drilled short kicks which either aimed to hit up a leader or find the open man through the corridor.

It looked as if he saw the game differently to others, biding his time in possession and resisting the urge to recklessly run forward. Such composure, vision, and decision making are hallmarks of Lindsay’s game. His measured approach and efficiency flew in the face of his side’s inaccuracy in front of goal (9.16).

After trailing at every break and conceding a 25-point deficit 10 minutes into the final quarter, Team Heppell enacted a remarkable comeback. Lindsay played his part in urgent transitional play, allowing others to drive their legs in attacking phases having been reliably fed on the outside.

Lindsay’s stats do the talking, and aren’t necessarily one-offs. 18 of his 20 disposals were kicks and nearly all were uncontested. He went at 89 per cent kicking efficiency and spread well around the ground to have seven marks and 13 handball receives, waxing beautifully with teammates.

You can come to expect more of the same from Lindsay in 2025, though don’t be surprised to see him gain more midfield minutes with the Falcons. He is agile in tight spaces and deceptively tough – especially overhead – not to mention a clean handler of the footy. One to watch.

PREVIOUS SCOUTING NOTES

“Lindsay made a terrific start to proceedings and was a major factor in Vic Country’s ability to intercept high up the ground. He read the play well down back and peeled off to either thwart NSW/ACT attacks or provide impetus on the rebound. Lindsay’s agility and core strength made the him a threat when bursting forward, and he was strong overhead. He put the cherry atop a strong performance by slotting a classy snap goal in the final quarter.” – Michael Alvaro, 2024 Under 17 Futures trials

“Returning from school football for his first Falcons game since Round 3, Lindsay slotted back in seamlessly. The bottom-ager didn’t have much to do in the early stages but got involved via the kick-ins and went on to showcase his tidy fundamentals in open play. Lindsay’s clean hands, sharp decision making and sound distribution suited his role, as he mopped up with great composure across the last line before moving the ball on quickly.” – Michael Alvaro, 2024 CTL Round 12

“Finishing with 20 touches and five clearances in midfield, Lindsay was among Vic Country’s most prolific players at the coalface. He was clean at the fall of the ball and when not clearing himself, waxed with teammates by hand to find exits out of the middle. Lindsay was one of many Geelong Falcons prospects to impress.” – Michael Alvaro, 2023 Under 16 National Championships

“Lindsay looked on track for a huge day and despite a quieter second half, still ended up being one of Vic Country’s best. The Geelong Falcons prospect was a starting midfielder in the first half and began to take over in term two, where he popped up everywhere to rack up possessions. He looked clean and balanced with the ball during said period, before popping up with a nice snap goal in the third quarter.” – Michael Alvaro, 2023 Victorian Under 16 trials