FREMANTLE star Matthew Pavlich would be disappointed if the Dockers needed to use his 350-game milestone as extra motivation to perform this week, according to teammate Lee Spurr.
Pavlich is set to become the 15th player in VFL/AFL history to reach 350 games. He is the first Docker, and the first from a West Australian club, to reach to monumental mark.
Spurr is also celebrating a milestone in reaching 100 games for the Dockers on Sunday against the Sydney Swans at Domain Stadium.
Match preview: Fremantle v Sydney Swans
"I think Pav would be disappointed if there was more inspiration than the 349 games he played before that," Spurr said.
"I think that's the calibre of the person of Pav and the selflessness that he expects and the club demands, and it starts with the top, with Dave Mundy the captain. We demand that effort every week regardless of a milestone.
"I think certainly the consideration is for the team first. Pav wouldn't want that any other way and neither would I.
"It's a secondary little icing on the cake to perform for a milestone."
Star ruckman Aaron Sandilands is closing on a return from the serious rib and lung injury he suffered in round three. He has been in full training over the past few weeks and coach Ross Lyon said he was edging closer to playing last week.
Spurr said he was unsure if Sandilands would be available this week but he confirmed he would only play when he's ready.
"Aaron's recovery is going really well," Spurr said.
"In regards to Aaron, there will be no risks taken with him. When he's ready he'll definitely play. When that is, I'm not sure.
"The match committee and strength and conditioning staff will get together and decide that. But hopefully he's out there as soon as possible because he's a great player to have and to play with.
"I haven't seen a lot of Aaron train but the bits I have seen he's looking really strong. So it's really positive for our fans and for the team."
Spurr was asked about the possibility of Hawthorn premiership player Bradley Hill joining Fremantle next season to play with his older brother Stephen.
Spurr said the clubs had managed the situation well after Hill's meeting with Lyon became public knowledge but he did not want to be drawn into it any further.
"From my understanding it has been handled the right way and really respectfully, and Hawthorn and Freo are on the same page and on the right page," Spurr said.
"I don't want to get drawn too much into hypotheticals. I really want to focus on this week and us improving and if it does eventuate we'll discuss it then."