Genuine buzz around Oliver Sanders: TSL, NAB League coaches

Called up for North Melbourne's clash with Southport, the 18-year-old drove to Hobart on the Friday, flew to the Gold Coast and collected 16 touches and a goal to be one of the Roos' best in defeat.

He stayed overnight in Melbourne before finally arriving home on Sunday.

With just one week before the NAB League restarts, the silky left-footer has been released back to North Launceston and will make just his second TSL outing this year at Glenorchy on Saturday.

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"He had a big weekend so they [North Melbourne] thought it'd be better for him to stay home for the weekend because they're really happy with the way he's playing ... they've been super happy with him both games," North Launceston coach Brad Cox-Goodyer said.

"It's really exciting to have him back because he's only played one game with us this year - he's getting better and better at the moment, it's exciting to see where he's at.

"He's growing into a man, he's nearly 19 years old now, putting on some size and understanding what his strengths and weaknesses are and you can just see it come out in his football - he's going to a be a really good player in the future."

A junior state soccer representative, Sanders was not considered among the state's best draft-age players last year but has made plenty of ground in 2021.

The 177cm flanker has recorded a team-high 29 disposals in both of his NAB League outings to date and was one of North's best in the round one loss to Launceston.

"His performances this year have been outstanding so there's definitely some buzz around him which is really exciting," Cox-Goodyer said.

"He's not the biggest kid, but he's definitely showing what he can do.

"We're just going to keep helping him and whatever he wants to do, whether that's with us or the NAB League or North Melbourne VFL, we'll support him any way we can to hopefully help him realise his dream."

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Tasmania Devils head coach Cam Joyce said his vice-captain was enjoying the fruits of a "super" pre-season.

"His first two NAB League games were excellent, he won a lot of the football and we know he can use it really well," Joyce said.

"Playing the two VFL games with North Melbourne, his second half in his first game he started to get going and continued that on the weekend with winning a bit of the ball and finishing with a goal.

"He's certainly got a couple of weapons that shine out - his kicking and his hands are probably his main two - but he's certainly worked on rounding his game out.

"I just think at the moment it's about him jumping back in the NAB League, hopefully continuing where he left off against the [Eastern] Ranges and we'll see what happens down the road."