Jeremy Sharp has been named this year’s Elastoplast Emerging Player after an extremely impressive second season at the Gold Coast SUNS.

After playing two games in his debut season, Sharp was forced to wait for an opportunity at AFL level this year.

That chance came in Round 15 after an injury to Lachie Weller, which saw Sharp claim a position on the wing against North Melbourne, where he made an immediate impact with 20 disposals and eight marks.

He went on to average 20 disposals and almost seven marks per game for the remainder of the 2021 season, taking out the Round 23 performance where he was activated late as the medical substitute.

His outstanding form was rewarded in Round 18 with a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination after 30 disposals, 10 marks, 518 metres gained and nine score involvements.

Despite only playing nine games in 2021, Sharp still finished the year classified as elite amongst wingers in marks, rebound 50’s and his kick to handball ratio.

After signing a new contract extension during the year, Sharp will be aiming to break through for more regular AFL football in his third season with the SUNS.