STRENGTHS:

+ Competitiveness
+ Defensive pressure
+ Inside game
+ Strength
+ Tackling
+ Work rate

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Decision making
- Outside game
- Skills

Anderson's tackle technique and defensive work rate off the ball is one trait clubs and fans alike will come to admire him for. In the 2024 Coates Talent League Grand Final rematch, Anderson laid several bone-crunching tackles that essentially kept the Ranges in the contest, although they narrowly lost. His ability to provide that defensive layer while also being able to accumulate the footy had a massive influence in the result.

His two-way running in games against the Western Jets and Tasmania early in the season highlighted his efforts off the ball and the defensive requirements to make it to the next level, and to contribute to team success. Good closing speed in regards to defensive pressure was also displayed against the Sydney Academy in round five where he saved a certain goal, despite his side not being in the contest at all.

Anderson's inside game is also another strength of his. Despite a big loss in Round 5 against the Sydney Swans Academy, his centre clearance work was solid and he did his best to make his side competitive, despite being decimated by the absence of a few of his key teammates due to representative games. In the Round 6 game against the Lions Academy, Anderson teamed up well with Josh Smillie and they both provided an imposing presence for the opposition to play against.

Anderson's strength and power was also on display throughout the season and one occasion where it was displayed was against Tasmania in Round 8, where he used his strength to provide numerous fends and powerful bursts. It was on display again a week later against the Bendigo Pioneers, with his physicality in the contest again and busting out of stoppages proving a decisive factor.

Anderson's areas for improvement no doubt revolve around his skills by both hand and foot. While he does accumulate the footy, when it comes to disposing of it, it’s a lot of ‘see ball, get ball,’ meaning that his decision making was often rushed and meant the ball was turned over. This was highlighted in the Vic Metro trial games against Vic Country and the Young Guns – while both games were ones with little on the line besides players staking their claims for being drafted, it certainly gave him good scope for how he can make himself better.

It also highlighted how he needs to develop his outside game more with being able to cover the ground and spread as opposed just to being an inside bull that he’s known to be. These areas showed glimpses of improvement in the Round 6 game against the Brisbane Lions Academy in a narrow win where his kicking was more measured, but also against Tasmania where he also showed some strong work on the outside.