New Saint Cooper Sharman will remain in South Australia for the next few weeks after receiving permission to continue playing in the South Australian National Football League (SANFL).

Sharman – selected with pick No. 21 in this week’s Mid-Season Rookie Draft – will continue his first season in the SANFL with Woodville-West Torrens, before joining the Saints in Victoria later in the season.

Senior Coach Brett Ratten said that it’s a chance for the young key forward to continue to develop his skills.

“We want kids to keep playing footy. That’s how you develop your game,” Ratten told media on Thursday morning.

“We don’t want them to miss out, especially knowing what last year was for a lot of players and a lot of people.

“I think it’s great for him to keep playing footy. “It’s an opportunity for him to get 2 or 3 games in, and when the bye comes and everything opens up in Melbourne, he’ll come into our program.”

Ratten also said that there is no pressure on fellow mid-season recruit Max Heath.

“Max doesn’t have to rush. He’s still doing year 12 and we want him to finish that. Footy’s a great game but your education will last you forever.”

While Ratten has not yet been able to meet the new recruits due to the club’s temporary relocation to Sydney, he has spoken with the young men and shared his excitement for their playing futures.

“They’re (Heath and Cooper) going to take a bit of time but that’s where we want to go.

“We want to make sure we’re still bringing young talent into our team, and it was a good opportunity for us to do that in the mid-season draft.”