Lindsay made his SANFL debut in 1978 and won West Torrens' best and fairest award in just his second season. A serious knee injury in the 1980 Elimination Final interrupted his career for the next two years. He was club captain from 1984 until 1990, thus having the distinction of leading West Torrens in their final year before merging with Woodville.
In 1990 he joined the Crows as a foundation player and took part in their inaugural league game, an 86-point win over that season's eventual premiers Hawthorn at Football Park.
Victoria 16.12 (108) defeated South Australia 16.8 (104), at Football Park, 15 May 1984
Western Australia 14.14 (98) defeated South Australia 14.13 (97), at Football Park, 9 June 1984