Spring-heeled suburban forward Cooper Sharman set to rocket up AFL draft charts

They say he has a ‘trampoline’ leap not unlike Collingwood high-flyer Jeremy Howe. Meet the 2019 AFL draft bolter who had recruiters from about eight clubs making a suburban trek on the weekend.

Recruiters are salivating over Balwyn prospect Cooper Sharman. Picture: Stuart Milligan

A suburban footballer with a stunning vertical leap has emerged as one of the biggest bolters in this year’s draft pool.

Spring-heeled goal kicker Cooper Sharman, 19, has captured the attention of recruiters across the country with his dazzling athleticism and raw marking ability.

Likened to a younger Jeremy Howe, Sharman’s stocks have risen dramatically over the past month playing for Balwyn in the Eastern Football League under former AFL coach Rodney Eade.

And word has spread quickly, with recruiters from as many as eight AFL clubs watching him snag three goals in the wet against Blackburn on Saturday.

It comes on the back of a best-on-ground three-goal performance against Noble Park three weeks ago.

Recruiters are salivating over Balwyn prospect Cooper Sharman. Picture: Stuart Milligan

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Eade said the promising 190cm forward had “enormous upside”.

“He has some good athletic traits but his vertical leap is like a trampoline, he can really jump up and mark at full extension and he has very good hands,” Eade said.

“Playing in our competition against men, on small grounds, he has outmarked some good VFL players, so he has certainly shown some raw talent.

“His basic skill set is very good, so marking, kicking, ground ball, his touch and footy IQ are all at a high level.

“The things that he needs to improve and that he hasn’t been exposed to, are things that will just improve in the AFL system, even a VFL system, like his running and fitness and strength.”

Originally from Leeton, in rural New South Wales, Sharman has developed late and moved to Melbourne to study and play for Balwyn this season.

He will play his second NAB League game for the Oakleigh Chargers against Geelong Falcons in Werribee on Sunday.

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