Fremantle ruckman Aaron Sandilands says there is no danger of Fremantle becoming complacent leading into Sunday’s game against Brisbane at Domain Stadium.
The Dockers went two games clear atop the ladder after overcoming Collingwood in a tough seven-point win on Thursday night, their first of two games on home turf following their round-12 bye.
The Lions, conversely, remain in the competition’s bottom two after their heartbreaking loss to Adelaide on Saturday, when they led at every change before being overrun in the last quarter.
Despite the differing fortunes of the two clubs, Sandilands said the Dockers wouldn’t allow themselves to take the game lightly.
The clash between Sandilands and in-form Brisbane Lions ruckman Stefan Martin promises to be one of the highlights of the game.
“Any side is dangerous,” Sandilands told The West Australian. “You’ve only got to be off by 2 or 3 per cent and you’ll lose the game. Four points are hard to come by. The guys will be ready to go come next Sunday.”
Sandilands, 32, has defied his age over the first half of the season, setting records for most hit-outs and most hit-outs to advantage in the past two months.
His 50 hit-outs against the Magpies were crucial to the Dockers’ eventual 52-42 win in the clearances.
Despite his form, his age has raised the possibility of coach Ross Lyon opting to rest him, with fellow veterans Matthew Pavlich and Luke McPharlin, at some point in the latter half of the year.
However, Sandilands said having two games at home after the bye was as good as a rest for players used to travelling every fortnight.
He said he wasn’t looking for another break any time soon.
“It’s great not to have to get on a plane for a few weeks,” he said.
“The bye coming halfway through the season comes at the right time. It freshens you up mentally as well as physically.
“The body is feeling really good at the moment so I feel as if I don’t need a rest.”
