Aaron Sandilands was upbeat about the direction of the team, as Fremantle set their sights on the start of the 2016 season.

The decorated ruckman is in the midst of his 15th pre-season and is well aware of the demands facing the team.

“We knew it was going be ramped up once we got back,” Sandilands said.

“A few more full ground, game situation sort of stuff and just building the way we play.”

Sandilands said constant refining and improvement was required as Fremantle set their sights on the first week of pre-season competition.

“You’ve always got to keep improving, and adjust the game plan in little bits and pieces,” he said.

“Skills have been a focus for us leading up to Christmas and we’ll transition that into the next five or six weeks.”

Sandilands was glowing about the additions of David Hale and Brent Guerra to the Fremantle coaching panel and what they bring to the team.

“Obviously both are premiership players and bring a lot of experience with them,” he said.

Sandilands optimistic about fit Freo

“They’ve brought a bit to the side, in the way of ball movement and skill level and it’s always good to have fresh faces.”

Midfielders aren’t the only players looking to improve under Hale’s guidance, young ruckman Jack Hannath has positioned himself for a big year according to Sandilands.

“Jack’s come back in really good shape and he’s determined to play at the top level,” he said.

“He’s training really hard at the moment, if he keeps going he’ll get his chances.”

While no decision has been made regarding the Fremantle captaincy heading into 2016, Sandilands remained excited about the prospect of playing another year with Matthew Pavlich.

“Someone of his ability and the way he leads the group, it’s really important to have blokes like that around the footy club,” he said.

“What he brings to the side on and off the field is second to none.”

Whether Matthew Pavlich continues to captain Fremantle this season is still unknown, Sandilands said that the decision would be made as a team.

“The playing group will sit down in the next three or four weeks and go through the process,” he said.

“Obviously he’s one of the great leaders, he has been and is captain at the moment and we’ll have the vote over the next couple weeks and see where we go from there.”