NAB League 2019: Cooper Sharman invited to AFL draft combine

Interest continues to grow in Balwyn forward Cooper Sharman after the AFL draft bolter was one of six Oakleigh Chargers players invited to test at the combine.

Cooper Sharman has a shot at goal for Balwyn. Picture: David Woodhouse

It’s true.

AFL clubs are taking a liking to draft bolter Cooper Sharman.

The Balwyn forward was one of six Oakleigh Chargers players invited to the AFL draft combine this week.

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Sharman is one of the surprise packets of this year’s draft crop, emerging on the scene in the Eastern Football League under the eye of Balwyn coach Rodney Eade.

Oakleigh talent manger Jy Bond said he expected Sharman to received a combine invite.

Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson, Trent Bianco, Dylan Williams and Nick Bryan were also invited to the combine.

Rowell and Anderson are best mates and could be the first two names called out on draft night.

“The only surprise, which isn’t really a surprise given the last month or two, is Cooper,” Bond said.

“I thought he’d get a combine invite just because he is so new to the scene. Clubs will want to see what he can do in the testing.”

Bianco has been in Oakleigh’s best players in his two games since returning from Vic Metro duties, while Bryan is viewed as one of the best tall options in this year’s crop.

Trent Bianco has been invited to the AFL draft combine. Picture: Kelly Defina/Getty Images

“Trent has had a fantastic season and he’d also be in the low picks,” Bond said.

“Nick Bryan is a long-term prospect for rucks. It depends on a club and how early they want to pick a ruckman because he is probably going to take a couple of years to develop.

“A club that wants a ruckman to develop, they might take him quite early because he is one of the best ruckman this year.”

Bond said a strong finish to the season would add to Williams’ draft value.

“Dyl could go low as well if he has a really good end to the season. He could shoot right back up,” he said.

“Everyone knows his ability (but) he’s had an injury interrupted season.

“He’s had a few niggling injuries, which has curtailed his ability to get fit and have as much impact on games.

“If he tests well at the combine, then he could go anywhere.

“He hasn’t been able to get to 100 per cent after the under-18s carnival and it’s just one of those things. When you’re a young, developing body, it just takes time.”

The combine will be held in Melbourne from October 1-4.

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