Sharman hopeful he's done enough to stick around at Saints after strong debut

As medical sub for St Kilda's clash with West Coast in Perth, the Leeton-Whitton product's nervous energy was for nought after he didn't get any game time.

But after the key forward's chance came as a medical sub again for Friday's loss to Carlton - ironically through a hamstring injury to fellow Riverina product Dougal Howard - he made it count.

The 21-year-old, who was playing SANFL reserves just a few months earlier before being taken by the Saints in the mid-season draft, got the tap on the shoulder he'd be playing at halftime.

He booted two goals, one off his first kick in league football, and finished with eight disposals.

Sharman has ticked every box thus far since his whirlwind ascent to the AFL, with strong performances in the VFL earning him a call-up.

"The official debut was a bit weird, sitting as a sub. Obviously you don't want a teammate to get injured, but you want to get onto the ground to experience that moment," Sharman said.

"It (Carlton game) felt more like my debut. Obviously the West coast game is my official debut but running out against Carlton feels a lot more like it.

"I spoke to the other boys who have been subs and they said to prepare like you're an emergency, but don't be too emotionally invested in the game because if you get the tap on the shoulder you're fresh.

"I got a handball early on, then to go back and kick my first goal was an awesome moment."

The ordeal was also a little bizarre for his parents, Renee and Mat, watching from Leeton.

They weren't aware Sharman had come onto the field until a few minutes into the second half.

"We didn't notice him, I saw him run through the middle of the middle of the field ad I said to Renee 'I think that's Cooper'"," Mat said.

"He's taken the chances when they're presented himself, so hopefully that's good enough for them."

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Sharman has his fingers crossed he'll be in the first 22 for the must-win clash with Sydney on Saturday, but is content he has done all he can thus far to push for a contract for next season.

"When I got drafted they saw me as a long term prospect, and if I could show I'm improving or willing to improve they'd keep me on," he said.

"Hopefully that's still the case and I'm doing enough to press for a contract.

"I'm a pretty late developer, I didn't hit my full growth until I was 18 and that's when I started playing as key forward and learning the craft. Putting that into practice and now I'm in a professional environment, hopefully there's more development to come.

"After the game Ratts (coach Brett Ratten) spoke about how incredible it is I was playing SANFL reserves three months ago, and now I'm playing AFL footy. After that moment it sunk in it's been a pretty awesome journey this year."

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