West Preston-Lakeside stalwart Brad Sanderson closing in on club games record

WEST Preston-Lakeside stalwart Brad Sanderson has always loved the idea of being a one-club player.

Brad Sanderson played his 400th game for West Preston-Lakeside on Saturday. Picture: Nathan McNeil.

BRAD Sanderson has always loved the idea of being a one-club player.

The 33-year-old has been as loyal as any footballer to ever walk through the doors at J.E Moore Park, sticking with West Preston-Lakeside for the past 23 years.

On Saturday, the midfielder played his 400th match for the Roosters, making his 181st senior appearance against Heidelberg.

“We went through some lean times, (but) I hung around and we had the success in 2010,” Sanderson said.

Sanderson is only nine matches from breaking the club’s games record of 408 held by Ken Louder and etching himself into West Preston’s history books.

But he has never played for any accolades.

“I live in the area and my mates have always played there,” he said.

“I just love the club.”

The Reservoir local started his career with the Roosters at under-11 level, progressing through the junior ranks before making his senior debut in 2001.

Sanderson had to taste defeat on the biggest stage four times before he was a member of the Roosters’ senior team which stunned hot favourite Heidelberg by 21 points in the 2010 Division 1 decider.

“Round 16 we played them and they beat us by 110 and then in the second semi they beat us by 84,” he said.

“It was different because it was the first time I’d ever played finals in A Grade. Then we got through to the grand final and we were just confident if we could run the ball, we would be all right.”

He has also played in two Northern Football League reserves premierships and took out the league and club best and fairest double in 2014.

Sanderson has since won his spot back in Leigh Cole’s senior team, overcoming ankle problems to feature in seven games this year.

The left-footer, who works as a builder, said he had at least two years left in him and was determined to achieve the ultimate success again.

“I’ve always believed in being a one-club player,” he said.

“Everyone gets paid to play, but the money doesn’t worry me. I just like knowing the fact I’ve played 400 games at the one club.”