The ruck battle will again be a point of intrigue in Adelaide’s clash this Sunday after upcoming opponent Fremantle welcomed back Aaron Sandilands to its lineup last weekend.
Sandilands made a strong return to action against the West Coast Eagles after being sidelined for the past four months with a punctured lung and broken ribs.
It was the veteran’s first game since Round Three, but the 33-year-old showed no signs of ring rust and played 79 per cent game time against the Eagles for 23 hit-outs, 12 disposals and four marks.
Fremantle coach Ross Lyon expects Sandilands’ output to only improve as he settles back into the side.
“Great return from Aaron (Sandilands), he had a real influence,” Lyon said after the loss to West Coast.
“That will only get more pronounced as he plays more.”
Versatile tall Zac Clarke also rolled through the ruck for the Dockers, winning 11 hit-outs and four marks of his own.
Adelaide introduced ruck debutant Reilly O’Brien against Brisbane last week for his maiden AFL appearance.
O’Brien impressed with 16 disposals, 29 hit-outs and a goal up against athletic Lions youngster Archie Smith.
The 20-year-old ruckman said on Monday he would be eager to test himself against the 211cm Sandilands should lead ruckman Sam Jacobs fail to overcome an ankle injury sustained in Round 19.
In any event, the ruck duel will be a great point of interest at Domain Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
