Two rising footballers are enjoying an eye-opening experience with Adelaide’s AFL squad this week, as part of the AFL Academy program.

Central District products Matt LeRay and Dyson Sharp have been taking part in the Crows’ pre-season training sessions, giving them an inside look at life as an AFL player.

LeRay and Sharp are also working closely with Crows coaches, players and staff, as well as joining in on conditioning and recovery sessions, to gain a deeper understanding of what is required at the top level, ahead of their draft campaigns.

Speaking to AFC Media, LeRay said he had learnt plenty from the few days at the Club.

“We had a main training session on Monday and today (Wednesday) and then yesterday we had a bit of craft and a bit of gym,” LeRay said.

“It’s been a really good opportunity to jell with some of the boys and take the next step from under-18s to the seniors.”

The utility, who was set to enter his first year of a Bachelor of Teaching degree after finishing Year 12 in 2024, said he was looking forward to putting his best foot forward ahead of the 2025 AFL Draft.

“I am an inside/outside midfielder, I’m pretty tall, I’m 190cm, but I think I move pretty well,” LeRay said.

“I think my strengths are my clean hands and my smarts at the stoppages - I like to get in and out and I think I’m pretty clean below my knees.

“Playing with Central this year, my goal is to win the flag in the under-18s, we’ve got a pretty good team, we won the flag in our age group in under-16s, so I think we’ve got what it takes.

“I just want to enjoy this year as much as possible and work hard.”

Sharp, a strongly built utility, featured with Central’s League team last year, including in the Bulldogs’ Qualifying, Semi and Preliminary finals.

He said it was great to share the experience with his Central District teammate and had gained valuable insights into what life at an AFL Club looked like.

“Matt and I have been joining the training sessions, we’re learning about tactics and recovery methods, we’ve also been in a couple of education sessions, and a bit of player development stuff with the first to four year players,” the Year 12 Xavier College student said.

“We’ve just been exposed to all of the ins and outs of AFL life. It’s been so good, I’ve learnt lots of new things and I’ve had lots of fun.

“The thing that impressed me the most has been the training standard. You never really know until you’ve done it.

“Being out there for the main sessions, you get to see how quickly the ball moves, you’ve got players thinking two steps ahead and everyone’s knowledge has been really impressive.”

Sharp said he tried to model his game on that of Crows’ Captain Jordan Dawson and had leant on the Captain during his time at the Club.

“I’ve tried to get around to everyone and get some tips from as many players as I can and ask as many questions as I can,” Sharp said.

“I tend to play a little bit on the half-back line, on the wing and I go up-forward every now and then, so he’s one of the players I was trying to get the most out of.

“To be given this opportunity is pretty surreal, to be honest… I’ve come into this ready to learn new things and be a sponge, trying to get everything out of it and I’m getting a good look at what life could possibly look like for me.”

SANFL and Academies Manager Jarrod Meers said the Club was pleased to play a small part in the duo’s development.

“Over the past decade we have happily opened our doors to AFL Academy players to help accelerate their football development,” Meers said.

“The Crows and the AFL Academy are aligned with similar philosophies of providing players with ultimate experiences. 

“We believe an experience like this is invaluable for the next generation of AFL footballers.”