Tasmania’s 19-year-old Ryley Sanders has made his debut as a Bulldog in front of a home crowd, likely securing himself a spot for an AFL round-one debut after his remarkable performance.
The Western Bulldogs dominated Hawthorn 17.17 (119) to 9.8 (62) in a pre-season game at Launceston’s UTAS Stadium on Saturday night.
The Launceston-raised Bulldog delivered 30 disposals and four clearances on his hometown ground, while also contributing to 10 score involvements – topped only by Captain Marcus Bontempelli (11).
“He’s an incredibly talented young man who’s had a fantastic immediate impact for us,” Bulldogs Assistant Coach Matt Spangher said.
“He’s certainly one of the more composed young players that I’ve seen and he certainly knows how to make the right decision with ball in hand.”
Sanders is now tipped to play against Melbourne in the Bulldogs’ season opener on March 17.
