Fremantle are close to regaining star ruckman Aaron Sandilands, according to high performance manager Jason Weber.

The four-time All-Australian has not played since round three after injuring his ribs in a marking contest with West Coast’s Nic Naitanui.

Sandilands took part in full training this week and, barring any hiccups, will return to the side sooner rather than later.

“Aaron’s training’s really stepped up towards game pace now,” Weber said.

“He’s in full team training, plus he’s doing match simulation work on top so he’s preparing for a return in the coming weeks.”

In the Mix: Utility pushes claim

Hayden Ballantyne is also progressing steadily after undergoing surgery to repair the fractured cheekbone he sustained against Geelong.

“Hayden’s obviously had pretty significant surgery so he’s been slowed down in what he can do in the past week,” he said.

“He’s been in at the club today, he’s had a run and he got moving, so we anticipate that to progress from here on.”

First-year defender Ryan Nyhuis will undergo a fitness test for a knee injury and could line up for Peel on Saturday, while Tanner Smith has progressed well from a torn hamstring, but remains two to four weeks away from playing.

 Fremantle's game against Sydney at Domain Stadium on Sunday is proudly presented by Channel 7 Perth.