Ryley Sanders is already making waves at Whitten Oval with his relentless curiosity and strong work ethic, primed for a standout debut season in the AFL.
Sanders is known for his insatiable quest for knowledge, a trait evident in his constant questioning of teammates like Marcus Bontempelli, Adam Treloar, Tom Liberatore, and even Greater Western Sydney’s Tom Green. Despite not meeting Green in person, Sanders, like Green, hails from regions with rich football traditions, forging a connection through shared experiences as top-10 draft picks and former Allies teammates.
Their initial interaction was sparked after Green praised Sanders during a podcast, prompting the young Bulldog to seek advice on transitioning to the AFL via Instagram. Since then, their communication has remained consistent.
Sanders’ arrival at the Bulldogs has been met with admiration for his preparedness and eagerness to learn, evident in his seamless integration into the club’s rigorous pre-season training and match simulations alongside seasoned midfielders. His dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed, earning praise from coach Luke Beveridge and positioning him as a frontrunner for the Rising Star Award in the upcoming season.
Drawing inspiration from his friend Harry Sheezel, Sanders is motivated to match Sheezel’s remarkable debut season, which included winning the Rising Star and a best and fairest award at North Melbourne. Sheezel’s guidance and support have been invaluable to Sanders, serving as a driving force behind his aspirations to make an immediate impact for the Bulldogs.
Sanders also benefits from his friendship with Brisbane’s Will Ashcroft and Levi Ashcroft, both influential figures in his journey to the AFL. With his sights set high and a support network backing him, Sanders is poised to repay the faith shown by the Bulldogs’ leadership and make his mark in his debut AFL campaign.
