First-year Bulldog Ryley Sanders says the first six months of his career has taught him so much about being an AFL footballer.

Sanders was drafted by the club with Pick 9 last year, playing six consecutive games after his debut in Round 1.

A small stint in the VFL provided the opportunity for him to fine-tune a few things mid-season, before returning to the AFL line-up in Round 12. 

Sanders said it was a good chance to improve certain parts of his game.

“It was a combination of a lot of things (to tweak) to be honest,” he told RSN on Thursday morning.

“There was a bit off the ball (in regards to) my defensive running and stuff like that – which is really important in AFL.

“Like it’s important to get the ball but it’s probably more important to cover off and be part of the team defence.

“(What shocked me) was just how strong the AFL is – how many good players and how many good midfielders there are in the comp.

“Just how much work I had to do and still have to do to be a good midfielder in the AFL.”

Sanders said he refrains from listening to the outside noise, while praising Adam Treloar for his mentorship.

“I don’t really try and worry about (Rising Star nominations) and that stuff, because you can’t really control it,” Sanders said.

“I’m just trying to play my role in the team and if that stuff comes then great, but if not I’m not too worried.

“All of the boys have been really good, but Adam Treloar is probably the main one.

“We get along super well. He helps me a lot with my footy, but also just my personal stuff as well. He’s been great.”