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Pavlich has not played since round 3 after undergoing a procedure on his left plantaris, while Sandilands is yet to appear in the home and away season because of a hamstring injury.
General manager of football operations Chris Bond said the club looked forward to regaining its inspirational skipper, but only when the time was right.
“We feel that the work that Matthew’s done has been very good, but we just need to get through another week of training, so he’ll definitely miss this week,” he said.
Bond said Sandilands’ situation was very similar.
“He’s been able to do a bit more work (because) he hasn’t played since the NAB Cup,” Bond said.
“He’ll miss this week and we’re keen to get him through another week of full training for the following week.”
Pavlich and Sandilands are listed with East Fremantle in the WAFL, but the Sharks play in the far north WA town of Kununurra in the Kimberley Region this weekend, which Bond ruled out as a return avenue for the pair.
“We’re very supportive of the WAFL game in Kununurra, but we feel with both players coming off the injuries that they’ve had, they will be better suited to a big training weekend,” he said.
“It gives them the best chance to get through a full week next week.”
Bond said something “significant” would need to happen between now and Saturday’s game in Geelong to see one of the star pair rushed back.
He added Sandilands was the more probable to return if required, but said that situation was highly unlikely.
“Even then, we’d have to sit down with the player, the doctors and Ross (Lyon) and go through it,” Bond said.
“Ross has spoken to both players and both players and the club are aware of what needs to be done.”
Bond said both Pavlich and Sandilands had encountered some minor setbacks during their rehab processes, but that neither situation was significant.
The football manager said the veterans would need to get through another week of full training ahead of next Sunday’s match against St Kilda to be considered for selection.
“Both players are really close and are really keen to play, and we’re obviously keen to get them back in the team, but it needs to be in the best interests of the team and those players as well.”
