Melbourne Demons

Lions speedster on brink of Melbourne move: AFL trade news

The 21-year-old set a draft combine record in 2020.

Published by
Frank Seal

Brisbane Lions' speedy midfielder Harry Sharp is reportedly in talks with the Melbourne Demons regarding a potential move as the AFL trade period heats up.

Known for his endurance and breaking the AFL Draft Combine 2km record, the 21-year-old could be poised to leave Brisbane to fill a need at Melbourne, especially following Lachie Hunter's retirement and Alex Neal-Bullen's departure to Adelaide.

Sharp, who made six appearances for the Lions this season and was an emergency for the Grand Final, is still under contract for 2025.

However, according to 7News reporter Mitch Cleary, Sharp is “open to exploring his options elsewhere,” and the Lions appear open to facilitating a trade if he finds a new opportunity.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 20: Harry Sharp of the Lions warms up during the 2023 AFL Round 10 match between the Brisbane Lions and the Gold Coast Suns at The Gabba on May 20, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

While a formal deal has yet to be reached, Cleary suggests that the Demons won't have to part with high-value assets to bring Sharp into their squad.

With Brisbane also aiming to bolster their draft capital, potentially to help secure points for young prospects like Will Ashcroft and Jaspa Fletcher, trading Sharp could prove mutually beneficial.

Sharp, who joined Brisbane from the Greater Western Victoria Rebels in 2020, has demonstrated potential despite limited senior opportunities.

His background as a competitive steeplechase runner has equipped him with an elite endurance capacity, which could be a valuable asset for the Demons as they look to reinforce their midfield depth.

AFL.com's Riley Beveridge has reported that Harry Sharp has formalised his request to get to the Demons.

Published by
Frank Seal