Neale had 32 disposals in the game, including 11 in the third quarter when Freo made a match-winning move.
Sandilands was very impressed by his 20-year-old teammate’s effort and hoped it signalled the start of things to come.
“He was sensational,” Sandilands said.
Place your 3-2-1 votes from Fremantle's win over West Coast
“He was in and under and his attack on the football and the cleanness of it was (great).
“It was the best I’ve seen him play.
“Hopefully it’s a breakthrough game for him and he can build from there.”
Neale returned the praise back at Sandilands, who he said the players wanted desperately to win for in his 200th game.
“He’s been a really special player as we all know for 200 games now,” Neale said.
“We spoke about it a little bit, to play with a bit of passion and try and get the win for Aaron.
“It was good for him to have a win.”
On his own performance, Neale said he never expected to hear his name called out for the Glendinning Medal.
“I thought the boys put in really good effort today across the board. It was a fantastic win for us.”
Ross Lyon comments on Lachie Neale's performance
The South Australian recruit highlighted his contested work as his biggest area of improvement this season, but he was careful not to get too far ahead of himself.
“Definitely (I’ve improved) with my ground ball and tackles as well,” Neale said.
“I’ve still got a lot of improvement to go in that area, but I think it’s starting to come.”
