Former Fremantle ruckman and Club Life Member Aaron Sandilands was officially inducted with AFL Life Membership on Wednesday night at the 2026 AFL Season Launch.

The honour recognises Sandilands’ remarkable impact on the game - not only as one of the AFL’s most dominant ruckmen - but also as a coach, mentor and community ambassador whose contribution has stretched well beyond his playing years.

Arriving at Fremantle as a rookie-listed player in 2002, Sandilands made his AFL debut on 30 March 2003. Over the next 17 seasons, he became one of the most respected figures in the competition, playing 271 AFL matches and 25 official pre-season games, amassing a total of 296 appearances in purple.

He finished his career a four-time All Australian (2008, 2009, 2010, 2014), a two-time Doig Medallist (2009, 2015) and was named a Fremantle Life Member in 2010.  

Off the field, his leadership and genuine care for the Club set an enduring example for teammates and fans alike.

After announcing his retirement in 2019, Sandilands continued his association with Fremantle as a part-time ruck coach, helping to mentor and guide the development of emerging players.

Beyond football, Sandilands’ contribution to the wider community has been equally inspiring. Since 2003, he has served as a dedicated ambassador for the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Over two decades, Sandilands has personally raised more than $120,000 for Starlight and helped the Club generate more than $3.4 million in donations.

Sandilands’ induction as an AFL Life Member is a fitting tribute to a career built on hard work, humility and heart.

AFL Life Membership is one of the game’s highest honours, recognising sustained and significant service to Australian Football, or qualification through the achievement of 300 official AFL games.