It’s been a breakout three rounds for Dyson Sharp.
Already a Rising Star nominee, the 19-year-old has quickly established himself as one of Essendon’s brightest young midfielders, with a recent run of form backed by some of the strongest numbers of any first-year player in the competition.
A look back over Dyson Sharp’s emergence, thanks to Airwallex.
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Ranking among the best
Sharp’s impact extends well beyond the eye test.
Among all first-year players in the AFL this season, the midfielder ranks:
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Second for score involvements (20.5% of total team per game)
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Third for clearances (2.6 per game)
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Fifth for contested possessions (6.2 per game)
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Fifth for pressure acts (16.2 per game)
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Ninth for disposals (16.2 per game)
It’s a well-rounded profile that highlights Sharp’s ability to influence games in every phase. Whether winning the ball at the contest, applying defensive pressure or helping create scoring opportunities, the young Bomber has not missed a beat, quickly become one of the competition’s most impactful first year players.
Earning his place
Sharp’s numbers don’t just reflect strong form, they reflect a growing trust in his ability to perform at the coalface.
Over Essendon’s last five matches, the teenager has steadily earned a greater midfield responsibility, with his time attending centre bounces increasing alongside his midfield minutes.
After featuring in just eight centre bounce attendances in both Round 17 and Round 18, Sharp attended 13 centre bounces against Gold Coast in Round 21, while his midfield time climbed from 36 per cent to 49 per cent.
Another gear
That added responsibility has been matched by another level of production.
Across his last three appearances, Sharp has averaged 22 disposals, 4.6 clearances and 6.3 tackles per game, while producing an impressive 105 AFL Player Ranking points per game.
Rather than relying on one standout performance, the Rising Star nominee has pieced together a sustained stretch of influential football, combining contested ball winning, defensive pressure and scoreboard impact to become an increasingly important piece of Essendon’s future midfield mix.
With his role continuing to expand and his numbers trending in the right direction, the signs point towards an exciting future for one of the Club’s emerging young stars.
