New Western Bulldogs recruit Ryley Sanders has opened up on the "weird" process he underwent with his new club before hearing his name called at Pick 6 on Monday night.
Sanders, who took out the Larke Medal this year as the best player of the National Championships following a premiership-wining campaign with the Allies, was one of two selected by the Bulldogs during the first-round of the National Draft.
The impressive teenager is arguably the best out-and-out midfielder in his class, with his evasiveness and ball-winning acumen a standout during his draft campaign with the Allies, Sandringham, Melbourne Grammar and the AFL Academy.
Sanders revealed he hadn't spoken with the Bulldogs often throughout the year, with the Footscray-based club making a late move for the Tasmanian after trading up their place in the draft order through the recent exchange window.
The Launceston native revealed he had only learnt late into the year that the Dogs were a keen suitor.
"It was a bit of a weird one," the new Bulldog said.
"I spoke to them for maybe 10 minutes twice at the start of the year for the Allies at the National Academy camp.
"Then I didn't speak to them until the week of the Combine when they traded up. After then I got word from my manager that they've got interest in getting a midfielder.
"I spoke to them on the Monday of the Combine and then again during the Combine and then just talked to my manager. Word got around that I might be going there."
Sanders joins a star-studded midfield group that consists of Marcus Bontempelli, Tom Liberatore, Jack Macrae and Bailey Smith, with the 18-year-old aware he won't slide into a starting role in Luke Beveridge's engine room with any ease.
The U18 All-Australian member said he's ready to take on new challenges and different roles to help the Dogs in the years to come.
"I'm just super stoked to be joining the Dogs, it's a dream come true," he added.
"So many good players and amazing midfielders. They've got so many A-grade midfielders, so I think it's so exciting for me to learn off them and hopefully be as good as them.
"Where I fit I'm not sure. I understand it's gonna be tough to crack into (the midfield group), so if I have to start in other positions I'm more than happy to do that."
Sanders was joined by father-son selection Jordan Croft in landing with the Dogs on night one of the National Draft.
