Docker Sandilands keen to play AFL in 2018

Mar 20, 2017 - 7:24 AM Fremantle ruckman Aaron Sandilands is confident his ageing legs won't pack it in any time soon, saying he's keen to play on in 2018.

The 34-year-old is out of contract at the end of this AFL season, but coach Ross Lyon believes Sandilands has the potential to play on for at least another year.

Sandilands feels the same way, but says he'll wait until later this season before making a decision.

"I was pretty happy when (Lyon) said that," Sandilands said on Monday.

"Obviously, it's only round one at this point in time. We'll probably have a chat as the year goes on and go from there.

"I'm still really enjoying coming to training and the game side of things.

"As long as that's there and as long as I can still contribute to the side, I've got no doubt I'd like to go again."

Sandilands played only five matches last season, with broken ribs suffered in a marking contest with Nic Naitanui sidelining him for most of the year.

The 244-game veteran still has metal plates in his ribs to remind him of that injury, and he's forced to wear a small guard to give him further protection.

But after a year in which he had barely played, Sandilands is feeling fresher than ever, and has set his sights on playing every match this season.

"I missed a fair chunk of last year. So in terms of the body, it feels really good, so I'm hopeful I'll get through the whole season unscathed," Sandilands said.

Sandilands is already one of the most-dominant ruckmen in the competition.

And he has the potential to become even more formidable this year after the AFL's decision to outlaw the third-man up at ruck contests.

Sandilands' 211cm height and 118kg stature makes him the biggest beast in the competition, and he should find it easier to win ruck duels without pesky midfielders trying to jump all over him.

Fremantle won just four matches last season, but hopes are high they will produce a far better effort this year after luring Brad Hill, Joel Hamling, Cameron McCarthy and Shane Kersten to the club.

The Dockers kick off their season on Sunday when they host Geelong at Domain Stadium.

The match will be Fremantle's 15th annual Starlight Purple Haze Game, which raises funds for the Starlight Children's Foundation.

Source: AAP