North Adelaide swingman Bryce Sanders looms as a smokey for the 2025 AFL Draft.
Having played only local junior footy last year, Sanders was immediately talked up by the Roosters in pre-season as one to watch, and played a key role in defence during South Australia's undefeated, title-winning U18s National Championships.
The 196cm utility made the state squad despite his very limited high-level footy exposure prior to 2025 and lined up on the likes of Cody Curtin as he showed off his marking and proficiency in one-on-one contests.
Sanders also spent time forward early in the season for the Roosters, kicking 6.4 in his first four games, which is when he started capturing attention.
Roosters coach Mitch Clisby then swung him down back, where he had an engaging duel with top 10 prospect Aidan Schubert. Schubert kicked two goals from 16 disposals, while Sanders took seven marks among his 12 disposals.
“I sensed there was an opportunity to play him as a defender because SA were short some key defenders,” Clisby told Craft of the Draft of his positional switch.
“He went on to play well in defence and played every game in the state squad as a key defender.
“His growth and development has been enormous since he jumped back on the page in November (last year).”
Sanders earned a State Combine invite, and in an AFL Draft class lacking depth, particularly among tall defenders, he is one who could be of interest to a club looking to strengthen that part of the ground.
“We knew he was talented in pre-season with the way he presented and the size of him,” Clisby recalled.
“Once we saw him kicking and catching the balls we thought he would surprise a few.
“I think he's going to be a genuine swingman; there's an opportunity to play at both ends.
“He's got more growth area in his game as a defender but I think he's a natural forward who fights for that front position.
“It will be a good problem for clubs to have that consider picking him up.”
The AFL Draft will be held on November 19-20.
