One of the “best young players in the country,” Tasmanian midfielder Ryley Sanders has won the Larke Medal as the best and fairest U18 player of the 2023 AFL National Championships.
The former North Launceston young gun is just the second Tasmanian to win the medal, following on from Sydney premiership player and Tasmanian Football Hall of Fame member Paul Williams in 1990.
Sanders led the Allies to victory in the U18 Boys category at the AFL National Championships, averaging 36 disposals, five clearances and a goal per game.
Sanders claimed the award with 25 votes, outscoring his teammate Colby McKercher, who received 20 votes.
Previously with the Tasmania Devils, Sanders now plays for the Sandringham Dragons in Victoria.
The Larke Medal was decided by a panel including Kevin Sheehan, Tarkyn Lockyer and AFL recruiters.
Sanders joins a list of past winners that includes Will Ashcroft, Christian Petracca and Tom Hawkins.
