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Dockers giant has big plans

Pic: Sharon Smith

Fremantle ruckman Aaron Sandilands is hoping to play in both NAB Challenge matches this pre-season to prepare himself for what will hopefully be his first full season since 2010.

The Dockers' training is set to ramp up in the coming weeks ahead of their first pre-season game against West Coast on February 18.

While a number of players remain on light duties, including Clancee Pearce, Ryan Crowley, Jonathon Griffin and new recruit Colin Sylvia, the majority of the squad are in full training and aiming for game time in the club's NAB Challenge campaign.

Speaking after training today, Sandilands said everyone had returned from the Christmas break ready and raring to go.

"There's a few on the side that are not far from stepping back in but we have got a fair amount on the track training as well," he said.

"We're pretty fit and healthy at the moment and the guys are getting some good kilometres in the legs.

"It's really important that you're up and training at this time of year because games aren't too far away."

When fit, Sandilands has been rated as one of the most influential players in the AFL.

But injuries have stopped the Dockers capitalising on his ruck dominance in recent years.

Since 2010, the 31-year-old hasn't managed to play more than 13 games in a season.

He said he was feeling fit so far this pre-season and was aiming to get as much playing time in as possible before the regular season begins in March.