Australian Football

Lerrel Sharp was a top quality defender who commenced his senior career with Scottsdale in the NTFA. In 1953, still aged just 19, he crossed to the VFL where he joined Collingwood. He spent seven seasons with the Magpies, for whom he quickly earned a reputation as one of the finest back pocket specialists in the competition.

Boasting impeccable judgement, Sharp was good both in the air and at ground level, and his clearing kicks were almost invariably penetrative and well-placed. At the end of his debut season he helped Collingwood to a 12-point Grand Final triumph against Geelong, and later played in the losing Grand Finals of 1955 and 1956 as well, both against Melbourne.

He missed the 1958 Grand Final victory over the Demons with injury, however, and at the end of the following year, after 87 VFL games and one goal, plus three interstate matches for the VFL, he returned home to Tasmania where he joined North Launceston. In a five-season stint with the Robins he performed with consistent brilliance, winning the club's best and fairest award in 1960 and 1963, an ABC-sponsored trophy for the best and fairest player in the NTFA in 1960, and appearing, invariably with distinction, in three Grand Finals for two premierships. He played intrastate football for the NTFA in 1960, 1961, 1962 and 1964. Lerrel Sharp was included on a half back flank in North Launceston's official 'Best Team 1945 to 1999'.

Author - John Devaney