GEELONG Falcons defender Josh Lindsay has a happy knack for shining in showcase games. Last year he was named best afield for Team Heppell in the National Futures match, and backed it up over the weekend as best afield for the AFL Academy in their 23-point win over Coburg.

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The classy left-footer lauded the “really good” experience of playing against senior opposition for the first time, no less in national colours. After gathering 16 disposals and six marks in game one against Richmond’s reserves, he lifted his output to 24 touches and seven rebound 50s.

Speaking to Rookie Me Central post-match, Lindsay said it didn’t take too much time to adjust to the step-up in level, though it made for a different experience. He put the performance down to bringing two ket traits to the fore.

“As the game went on I really felt more comfortable, obviously coming off last game [too]. I was able to generate my run and use my ball use, so I was really happy with that,” he said.

“[It didn’t take] too much the time to adjust, just the pace of the game. Obviously it’s really quick and they really run out the game well. And they’re pretty strong around the ball, so that’s probably the main one.”

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With Vic Country representation in the pipeline at this year’s Under 18 National Championships, maintaining big game status will be paramount to Lindsay further stamping his credentials as a top 10 prospect. He’ll also have a stint in the APS competition for Geelong Grammar.

“Obviously you want to be a big game player and I would like to pride myself on playing [well] in those big games,” he said. “It’s just [down to] a lot of work over the preseason which paid off really well. I’m really looking to build into the year.

“We’ve got Geelong Grammar (APS) season starting up now for the next couple weeks, and then I think the first game is against WA in the Champs. I really enjoy playing at Grammar.”

Having cut his teeth mostly as a half-back, Lindsay is also looking forward to spending more time on-ball. He has done so to an extent in the first block of the Coates Talent League season with Geelong, averaging 26 disposals, 4.5 tackles, and 3.5 rebound 50s across two games.

“Obviously I’ll play a bit more midfield [at Grammar] and then going to the Champs probably half-back wing as well. It’s just having a good balance of both those two positions.”