Contracts on hold for Freo duo
Fremantle have put contract talks with Aaron Sandilands and Michael Johnson on hold despite moving to shore up their playing list.
Johnson, 30, is expected to play against Melbourne in tomorrow's NAB Challenge clash at Fremantle Oval after being named in the club's 29-man squad yesterday.
But Sandilands' return has been postponed by at least another week, with the 32-year-old left out after also missing last Friday's intra-club match.
The Dockers yesterday announced a one-year contract extension for Tendai Mzungu until the end of 2016 as flagged in _The West Australian _last week, bringing the number of players they have re-signed to eight since the end of last season.
However, officials are yet to initiate discussions with Johnson and Sandilands over their futures. Both veterans are coming out of contract and remain two of Fremantle's most important players.
The Dockers' conservative approach comes with the duo either coming back from or dealing with injury concerns.
Johnson, an All-Australian in 2013, had major back surgery in September, but has played a half in each of the club's two recent intra-club games.
Sandilands has had his training load scaled back since Christmas because of back soreness, however he is believed to still be on track to play in the round-one opener against Port Adelaide at Domain Stadium on April 5.
_The West Australian _understands Sandilands and Johnson's management has contacted Fremantle up to half a dozen times since August, but is yet to get a direction on the club's plans.
The Dockers did not move on either player following a list management meeting this week.
Fremantle coach Ross Lyon said last month he believed Sandilands could play beyond 2016.
"I think he'll surprise with his longevity," Lyon said.
"I'm sure he's thinking he's got a few more years yet."
Sandilands and Johnson will be free agents by the end of 2015.
Captain Matthew Pavlich, Ryan Crowley, Paul Duffield and Luke McPharlin are others uncontracted beyond this year.
Fremantle have re-signed Stephen Hill and Michael Walters to the end of 2019 and 2018 respectively since crashing out of the finals last year. Cameron Sutcliffe and Zac Dawson have received contract extensions in the past fortnight, while Matt de Boer, Max Duffy and rookie Jacob Ballard all recommitted at the end of last season.
However, the club still has a considerable amount of young talent not locked in beyond 2015.
Matt Taberner, Michael Apeness, Hayden Crozier, Tom Sheridan and Zac Clarke are all on contracts that finish this year.
All five were named to play against Melbourne tomorrow.
