STRENGTHS:

+ Clean hands
+ Competitiveness
+ Contested game
+ Leadership
+ Strength
+ Tackling

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Kicking
- Outside game
- Speed

If there's one thing Sharp does better than anyone in the crop, it's winning contested ball. He was utterly dominant in that domain during the National Championships, averaging 11.3 contested possessions, six clearances and five tackles per game. Such feats helped further establish his reputation as a tone-setting, lead-by-example captain.

Central to Sharp's contested nous is his toughness. He simply doesn't flinch in the face of contact and has the strength to absorb physical pressure while distributing the ball. As far as primary possession winners go, few were more effective by hand this year than Sharp. He handles the ball cleanly on the inside and had stood up to the rigours of senior footy.

Sharp has become used to playing up the age groups for some time. He was a dual Under 16 All-Australian and established himself in South Australia's Under 18 side as a bottom-ager. Further to that, his SANFL League exposure across the last two years has been significant. Each experience has also leant to his growth of versatility; learning to play back in the state program, and as a high forward for Centrals' League side.

Although, midfield is where Sharp shines - particularly in the cut and thrust of stoppages. It's there where his competitive nature comes to the fore, with the 18-year-old exhibiting first rate intent and effort. It lends to his leadership quality, as does his vocal nature out on the field. He has an abundance of footballing knowledge and always seems eager to impart it onto his teammates.

While he leads the crop at what he's best at, Sharp remains entrenched in the ever evolving footballer vs. athlete debate. He is the type who has a high floor, but arguably lower ceiling than others in the same draft range. The likes of Ben Hobbs and Jhye Clark are similar stylistic examples who have gone on to the next level as first round draftees.

On pure performance, Sharp was among the best of the crop, but a crystal ball approach may favour others in the draft class. The way top level football is headed leans towards fast transitional play, where leg speed and foot skills are king. Sharp's skillset fits outside that category, but still has a place in the modern game to help enhance those who thrive on that style.

He did well to add weapons to his game this year, hitting the scoreboard at the National Championships and improving his ability to accumulate outside possessions. Those areas can still be enhanced, helping grow Sharp's ability to hurt the opposition. As it stands, he's the type of player who will be ready to go, helping those around him shine with his strong extraction work.