Originally from Mount Barker, 359km south of Perth, Sandilands has become one of the biggest players in football, both in physical stature and on-field performance.
It took him a fair while to emerge in the AFL after being rookie listed by Fremantle in 2002.
He debuted at Football Park in round 1 2003, in Wayne Carey’s first game as an Adelaide Crow.
‘Sandi’ is now a three-time All Australian ruckman (2008-2010), a club champion winner (2009) and one of the most dominating big men the game has seen.
But speaking ahead of his milestone, he remained as humble as ever.
“When Fremantle did pick me up as a rookie I would have been stoked to play one game,” Sandilands said.
“You blink, and next thing you know it’s 200.
“It’s been a great journey and I’ve really enjoyed my footy. I love the Fremantle Football Club and the players and staff that are there.”
The 31-year-old was hampered by injuries in 2012 and 2013, but his desire to play at the top level has never waned.
Sandilands said he wanted to continue playing for as long as his body allowed him.
“I hope there’s more,” he said.
“It’s been frustrating, the past couple of years with injury, but I was always dedicated enough to do the work and I had the desire to get back out there.”
Sandilands also dismissed suggestions that Fremantle, which has a 3-3 record after six rounds in 2014, did not have the same hunger as last season, when it made the Grand Final.
“The hunger is definitely there,” he said.
‘We’ve achieved nothing.
“For us, the desire and desperation is there. It’s just a matter of getting our skill execution right and getting a bit of composure with the ball and things will turn around.”
