Since playing his 100^th game in the season opener, the 24-year-old former co-captain has played exclusively in the development league, during which time the Blues have lost just once.

"He's been really great and he's been really good for our young blokes," Sanders said.

"We're fairly young in through that midfield so to have Hamish's experience has been terrific and I class it as a real development league having that sort of guy in there.

"Him and Stewy Williams who have got lots of experience, I class them as on-field coaches so they can teach these young blokes and develop them on the ground which has been a godsend for me."

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Wooden-spooners last season, the 2018 premiers have returned to their dominant selves thanks to an influx of depth at senior level.

Tyson Miller, Grant Holt and Bowen Pearce will boost the side for Saturday's clash with North Hobart, while forward Michael Larby and midfield pair Jayden Hinds and Casey Walker-Russell have all been influential.

Sanders was thrilled with the Blues' year to date but said his side wouldn't take the Demons lightly despite two big wins earlier in the season.

"It's above and beyond my expectations - to be 11-1 after the home and away season is a fantastic effort," Sanders said.

"To come from last spot to top of the ladder is a real credit to the boys really."

The other preliminary final sees the continuation of the development league's best recent rivalry.

Having played out one draw, two one-pointers and a one-goal grand final in the past two years, reigning premier North Launceston hosts Kingborough at UTAS Stadium for the chance to make a third-straight grand final.

The Northern Bombers won by three points in the round six clash at UTAS, but managed just one goal in a 51-point loss a fortnight ago.

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"I think the rivalry stems back a couple of years now," coach Brenton Gale said.

"They're a really good side and always put in a good effort, so our guys are really respectful of them as a team and we know we're going to have to play our best footy to come away with a win.

"Injuries may have played a small part in [the round 12 loss] but I think we were simply outplayed down there in Hobart last time.

"So we need to get back to playing our brand of football and bring our strengths to the table this time around."

Hillwood recruit Nathan Pearce and 15-year-old Ryley Sanders have been the Bombers' best this season, both winning senior call-ups, while winger Michael Stingel looks in line for a senior debut next year.

"He probably could have played some senior footy, he's been unlucky to miss out," Gale said.

"He's a very good runner, he's got a great endurance base, uses the footy pretty well and he's quite a tall kid as well.

"We're pretty lucky to have a kid like him who can run on a wing, take a good mark and kick the ball long for us."

Saturday's preliminary finals both start at 11.30am.