The Brisbane Lions have increased its hand of draft picks after trading midfielder Harry Sharp to the Melbourne Football Club for Pick 49 and a future selection.

As part of the deal the Lions also received a Future Round 3 selection (currently tied to Essendon) in exchange for the Lions Future Round 3 selection.

Sharp was selected with Pick 43 from the Greater Western Victoria Rebels in the 2020 national draft and played a total of 16 games across four seasons.

The 21-year-old arrived in Brisbane known for his running ability after setting the AFL Draft Combine 2k Time Trial record.

Despite consistently pushing for selection as one of the Lions best performers in the VFL, Sharp battled to hold his spot in Brisbane’s best 22.

Brisbane Lions General Manager Football, Danny Daly said the club understood Sharp’s request to seek more opportunities at AFL level.

“Harry has always been a popular member of the club and should be proud of what he achieved during his four seasons with us,” Daly said.

“Despite consistently developing his game, unfortunately Harry was fighting for a spot in a strong midfield of a team regularly playing finals and in a premiership era.

“We understand his wish to join Melbourne for more opportunities and we thank Harry and his family for their contribution to the Brisbane Lions and wish them well.”

Sharp said he departed the den full of appreciation for his time as a Lion.

“I leave the Brisbane Lions with mixed emotions, while as I seek more opportunities, I also say goodbye to this great club that I love,” Sharp said

“I arrived at The Gabba as a teenager moving away from home and moving interstate, and everyone at the Lions made it so much easier for me.

“I will be forever grateful to the Lions for making my AFL dream come true, all the work everyone has put into me and for the relationships I have made.”