Aaron Sandilands is one step closer to making his return from concussion after being named as one of five potential inclusions for Fremantle’s clash with Adelaide on Sunday at Optus Stadium.
Sandilands is joined by Hayden Ballantyne, Mitch Crowden, Brandon Matera and Ryan Nyhuis in the extended squad of 26.
Nat Fyfe (suspended) is Fremantle’s lone omission at this stage.
After sustaining a head-knock late in Fremantle’s clash with North Melbourne in round 10, Sandilands was ruled out of the following week’s game against Collingwood.
Sandilands has continued to be one of the league’s premier ruckmen in his 16th season at Fremantle, averaging 40.5 hitouts this year.
His inclusion means Fremantle have three rucks in the extended squad, alongside Scott Jones and Michael Apeness.
Ballantyne, Matera and Nyhuis all played for Peel against Claremont last Saturday while Crowden travelled with the Fremantle team as an emergency.
Matera showed promise up front with three goals in the opening half while Ballantyne spent time on the ball and as a high forward with 19 disposals, five marks and six inside 50s.
Ryan Nyhuis played in defence where he collected 12 disposals and took six marks.
The Fremantle team will be finalised on Friday and announced at 3pm WST via fremantlefc.com.au.
