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FREMANTLE ruckman Aaron Sandilands is set to play on in 2017 after signing a one-year contract extension.  

Sandilands, 33, has played 241 games for the club since debuting in 2003.

He won the club's best and fairest in 2015 and hinted in October last year that he was keen to continue playing beyond 2016 despite only having a one-year deal. 

But Sandilands suffered a serious rib and lung injury in round three this season after copping a knee in the ribs from West Coast ruckman Nic Naitanui.

He fractured several ribs, suffered a collapsed lung and spent close to a week in hospital after requiring surgery.  

But Sandilands said he was on the mend and he was keen to continue playing beyond this season. 

"I'm ticking some boxes and things are moving in the right direction," Sandilands said.

"The body is starting to feel a lot better and we'll build from now on and hopefully be back out there as soon as possible.

"I still love coming to the club every day, am still very passionate and enjoy my footy.

"I was really happy the club wanted me to go around again and I still believe I have a fair bit to contribute.

"We've got a really strong group of players. Although the results aren't going our way at the moment, I believe we'll work through that and be better for it. 

The club reported that Sandilands had a light run on Tuesday and that he was beginning to do some strength work. He is still listed as three-to-four weeks away from playing.