Sanders, who left job as a bank manager and his role in the SANFL as the inaugural chairman of Woodville-West Torrens to take on the Crows job late in 1990, last night was among eight new inductees recognised for their service to the game in South Australia.
Sanders has been involved in SA football for 50 years. He played in Woodville’s first senior colts side in 1959 and then senior football for the club when it was playing in the reserves competition. He did not play league football but he was to make his mark in administration.
In the 1970s Sanders was assistant secretary and team manager at Woodville before joining the committee in 1983 and becoming chairman in 1984. He held this position until Woodville merged with West Torrens at the end of the 1990 season.
At the Crows, Sanders was chief executive from 1991 until the end of 2000 and then returned to the club as chairman from 2004-08.
Other inductees were Ern Wadham, Horrie Riley, Bruce Winter, Josh Francou, Terry von Bertouch, John Hamilton and Mostyn Rutter.
“What does it mean to join the Hall of Fame? It is the ultimate recognition,” said Sanders, who last night responded on behalf of the inductees. “To join the greatest names of football in this State is the greatest thrill you can receive.”
