Fremantle captain Matthew Pavlich has spoken glowingly of Aaron Sandilands’ importance to Fremantle ahead of the ruckman’s 200th game.

Sandilands chalks up the milestone in the Carlton Draught Derby at Patersons Stadium on Sunday.

Sandi's 200 in the blink of an eye

The Freo skipper told Melbourne radio station 3AW how Sandilands’ ability to hold sway at stoppages had often forced opposition sides to bring an extra man in to contest against his 211cm frame.

“Teams generally put a lot of work into Aaron and our clearance work, trying to nullify his dominance, whether it’s a stoppage or around the ground,” Pavlich said.

“It does allow other teammates to be freed up, whether it’s in defence or on the fly in the midfield.”

Sandilands has received external criticism about his game throughout his career, but Pavlich said everyone at Fremantle knew how good the three-time All Australian and club champion was.

“There’s a lot of comment made, but at the end of the day we understand what a great influence and a great player he is for us and we’ll keep backing him in,” he said.

Pavlich is close to a major milestone of his own. He’s slated to play his 300th game in round 9 against Geelong at Patersons Stadium.

Match Preview: Fremantle v West Coast

The 32-year-old will be the first player from either of WA’s two AFL clubs to reach the mark.

Pavlich was asked how he had managed to keep his body in good condition, considering the travel associated with playing for a WA team.

The captain admitted flying had taken its toll over the duration of his career, which began in 2000.

“It’s well documented and there’s been research on the hours spent on the plane, and the significant travel factor that is living here in WA, but I’ve made that choice and I’m happy to live with it,” he said.



Pavlich is renowned for his meticulous preparation throughout his 297-game career, and he said that had played a big part in getting him to this point.

“I do extra yoga sessions, I do extra recovery, it’s one of those things that just becomes a part of your week,” he said.

“And, particularly as I’ve got older, I need to manage my body and be a lot smarter with the things I do and the choices I make outside of the training program, trying to do the extra things that get me to the line each week.”