AARON Sandilands' legacy at Fremantle is assured but, when the time comes, he would walk away from the game with a touch more satisfaction if he can fast-track Sean Darcy to step into his giant-sized shoes.
Sandilands, who plays game 250 in Saturday night's crunch Western Derby, has taken Darcy under his wing since the bullocking Geelong Falcons ruckman arrived at the club via pick 38 in last year's NAB AFL Draft.
Both players hail from country upbringings, and Sandilands likes what he sees in the hard-working 201cm and 111kg youngster.
"Sean lived with me when he first came over for the first couple of weeks and is a great young man," Sandilands told the AFL Record.
"He's got a great head on his shoulders and he's willing to learn as much as he can at the moment, so I'm more than happy to pass on as much information to him and try to improve him to become a great AFL ruckman.
"I've got no doubt he's going to be a long-term player at this footy club.
"If I can help him in any way, I will."
Darcy appeared in all three JLT Community Series games, in a sign how highly the 18-year-old is rated at Fremantle, and has impressed in the WAFL.
The strongly-built youngster should have at least another full season working under Sandilands' guidance, with the 34-year-old expected to sign a contract extension to continue his stellar career into 2018.
Sandilands has been integral to the Dockers' rescue mission from 0-2 to clinch three thrilling wins in a row and, just as importantly, is still enjoying the grind that comes with training and travelling interstate 10 times a year.
"That's one thing (to consider before re-signing) and the other one is making sure you can still contribute," Sandilands said.
"If those two things are happening, later in the year, and if the club still want me … we'll wait and see."
Having witnessed Sandilands' appetite for hard work and professionalism from the moment he set foot inside the club, former Freo skipper Peter Bell has no doubt there is more left in the 211cm big man's tank.
"He's been incredibly durable for a guy his size," Bell said.
"He's had some serious injuries, so it's not like it's been easy for him and when you consider the travel … I believe it has an effect on the careers and the longevity of players.
"For a guy who is seven-foot to be in the plane as much as he is, it's truly exceptional he's been able to reach 250 games, with more to come."
Fittingly, Sandilands will chalk up his latest milestone in a Derby, a contest the four-time All Australian and dual Doig medallist has relished over his career.
From his epic battles with Dean Cox, to notching a win over the Eagles in his 200th game and the broken ribs he suffered when Nic Naitanui planted a knee in his back last season, Sandilands has seen the highs and lows against West Coast.
And a 14-9 Derby win-loss record attests just how influential the former rookie has been – and will be again this Saturday night – in WA football's showpiece.
"You could always rely on him. A gentle look at the big fella and you just knew that he was going to give his all," Dockers legend Matthew Pavlich said.
"He's a special bloke and a good mate of mine.
"I'm hoping Saturday is a really good day for him and the footy club."
This is an edited version of a story that appears in this weekend's edition of the AFL Record, on sale for $5 at all grounds.
