Blue-chip Bulldogs youngster Ryley Sanders is now seen as a lock to make a Round 1 debut after starring in the Dogs' 57-point win over Hawthorn in Launceston on Saturday.
Following a final underage season that saw him claim Larke Medal honours after dominating for the Allies, Sanders made his way to the Kennel through plenty of fanfare, becoming a Bulldog with the 6th selection of the 2023 AFL Draft.
After putting his best foot forward for the entirety of the summer, Sanders continued the trend at UTAS Stadium on Saturday, with the North Launceston product collecting 30 disposals in front of friends and family in the stands.
Though Sanders was already rated as a near certainty by armchair experts and fantasy coaches alike to lace the boots early in the season, Bulldogs assistant Matthew Spangher heaped further praise on the 19-year-old, stating the Tasmanian's composure has proven to be a clear differentiator.
"(He's) an incredibly talented young man. He's had a fantastic immediate impact for us," Spangher said post-game.
"It was nice to see him play in front of the home crowd, he handled it pretty well, I thought.
"I think he is probably one of the more composed younger players that I've seen. He certainly knows how to make the right decision with ball in hand, which for many players takes a little while to happen."
When pressed as to whether he saw Sanders in the Dogs' side to take on Melbourne at the MCG in under a fortnight, the premiership Hawk was happy to back the teenager.
"After tonight's showing, I'd say he's a pretty strong chance of play (Round 1)," Spangher added.
"He's done everything right to give himself the best chance. His attitude's first-rate. If it happens, he certainly deserves his chance."
After beating Hawthorn twice in back-to-back weeks on either side of Bass Strait, Sanders and the Bulldogs will now turn their attention to their clash against the Demons at the 'G on Sunday, March 17.
