Dyson Sharp nominated for AFL’s Rising Star Award

By ZAC MILBANK

Central District draftee Dyson Sharp has had his eye-catching Round 19 performance with Essendon recognised with a nomination for the AFL’s 2026 Rising Star Award.

The strongly-built midfielder, playing in just his 10th AFL game, was a driving force behind the Bombers’ upset three-point win against Greater Western Sydney at Marvel Stadium.

Tallying a career-high 23 disposals, seven clearances and a goal, Sharp also capped off his enjoyable outing by laying his fifth tackle in the centre square with less than two minutes to play in the frantic final term.

Sporting the No.15 guernsey with the Dons, Sharp – who measures in at 187cm – certainly looked comfortable physically while mixing it in the middle with the likes of Giants stars Finn Callaghan and Clayton Oliver.

Kicking two goals in his AFL debut against Hawthorn in Round 1, the 19-year-old has quickly established himself as an important member of the Bombers’ investment in youth after being selected with pick No.13 in last year’s National Draft.

”I’ve dreamed about it my whole life, growing up a Bombers man,” Sharp told Triple M after the match.

”I always watched them, loved their close wins so to be a part of one tonight (against GWS) it was super special.”

Originally from the Barossa District Football Club in Central District’s regional zone, Sharp grew up watching his father Darren star for the local team as a youngster.

It didn’t take him long to find his way to Elizabeth, where he quickly developed into one of the nation’s most sought-after midfielders, such was his dominance in SANFL’s AAMI Talent League.

Sharp’s leadership qualities have also been on show whilst captaining South Australia to the 2025 Marsh AFL U18 National Championship win, with an undefeated 4-0 win-loss record.

Earning the Larke Medal as the best player across all teams in the tournament, Sharp was also rated as the Croweaters’ Most Valuable Player.

His ability to transition so quickly at elite level can also be traced back to his opportunity to play in the Hostplus SANFL League as a 17-year-old in 2024.

Playing a total of 14 Hostplus SANFL League matches for the Bulldogs, Sharp was also exposed to finals football in 2024 and 2025, appearing in four major round contests.