Cooper Sharman and Ben Paton have extended their stays in red, white and black, tying them to St Kilda until the end of 2024.

Taken at last year’s Mid-Season Rookie Draft, Sharman has built upon his forward craft after bursting onto the scene with 10 goals in the Saints’ final four games of the season.

The 22-year-old signed a two-year deal at the end of 2021 before earning a follow-up extension earlier this week.

Sharman has added an unexpected string to his bow this season taking up a role in defence in the absence of key defender Dougal Howard, but has utilised his greatest assets up the other end of the ground playing alongside forwards Max King and Tim Membrey.

Paton has also put pen to paper, a year on from his double leg break which ruled him out for the entire 2021 season.

The lockdown defender has played 16 matches in his return campaign and last fortnight registered his 50th senior game for the club.

“We’re really pleased to have Cooper and Ben recommit for the next few seasons,” Head of List Management James Gallagher said.

“We’re continuing to see the development of these two young men and we’re confident they will be important players for us moving forward.

“Ben has bounced back well from serious injury and we’re confident his belief and influence will continue to grow.

“Cooper has also continued his progression in the right direction. For a player who has been in the AFL system for just over a year, he’s shown a great deal of promise that, in time, we hope will impact our side consistently.”

Paton and Sharman follow the recent re-signings of Rowan Marshall, Dan Butler, Jack Hayes and young trio Marcus Windhager, Mitch Owens and Max Heath.