Lerrel Sharp

Recruited from Scottsdale in Tasmania, Lerrel Sharp enjoyed a meteoric start to his VFL career that saw him taste the ultimate success almost immediately. The classy back pocket arrived at Collingwood in 1953 and, despite battling early ankle issues, was thrust into the senior side late in the year to become a premiership player in his debut season after playing just five games. Sharp quickly established himself as one of the league's premier small defenders, renowned for his penetrating kicking, attacking flair, and ability to read the play both in the air and at ground level. He became a key fixture in the Magpies' backline, finishing third in the 1954 best and fairest, earning Victorian state selection, and featuring in the losing 1955 and 1956 Grand Finals. However, his fortunes reversed in 1958 when a mid-season injury cost him his spot in the side; he was unable to regain his place for that year's premiership triumph, and after two final appearances in 1959, he returned home to continue his career in the NTFA.