He will line up in Sunday’s TSL grand final for North Launceston, and that will be just the latest highlight in the young career of Devils midfielder Ollie Sanders. His 2021 season was disrupted by injuries mid-year, but his impressive form either side has solidified his place as one of the state’s most promising talents.
A prolific inside midfielder, Sander opened the NAB League season with back-to-back 29 disposal games against the Calder Cannons and the Eastern Ranges. Those performances earned him a VFL debut with North Melbourne, where he collected 12 disposals and kicked a goal against a strong Frankston side.
While he only played one more NAB League game before an extended injury layoff, he has returned to action since with North Launceston and helped to propel them into Sunday’s decider. While he is a midfielder by trade, he has also been used as a playmaker on the half-back line where his excellent kicking makes him a dangerous weapon.
Ahead of the TSL grand final, learn more about one of Tasmania’s brightest young stars…
20 Questions with Ollie Sanders
1. What is your nickname?
Sando
2. What position do you play?
Midfield
3. When did you start playing?
Under-12
4. Who is your local club?
North Launceston
5. Do you play any other sports?
Golf
6. What is your favourite ground?
UTAS Stadium
7. Best football memory?
Playing my first senior game with my younger brother Ryley last year.
8. What is the best thing about being involved with the Devils program?
Competing against the best underage boys from Victoria weekly and training with the best boys from around the state.
9. Do you have any pre-game superstitions?
Make sure my boots are clean the night before.
10. What AFL team do you follow?
Collingwood
11. Who is your favourite AFL player?
Rhyan Mansell
12. If you were in the Olympics, what would it be for?
Golf
13. Who would be the first Devils player you would pick in Fantasy Football?
Baynen Lowe
14. Who has had the biggest influence on your football career so far?
Dad
15. Keep the centre bounce or always throw the ball up?
Keep the bounce
16. Coriander – yes or no?
Yes
17. Guilty pleasure?
Pepsi Max
18. How do you like your eggs?
Scrambled
19. What was your best subject at school?
Science
20. Who would you like to swap places with for a day?
Drake