Injured ruckman Aaron Sandilands expects to be pushing for a return to the Fremantle team by round 18 this season.

Sandilands was sidelined after sustaining a turf-toe injury to his right foot in round 11 against Richmond - the same injury he had on his left foot that ruined his 2011 season.

The three-time All-Australian told Fox Footy at half-time of Saturday's game against Essendon that a combination of his body weight and luck caused the injury.

"I landed on it pretty awkwardly and it just gave way," he said.

"I haven't got any power through that part of my foot."

Sandilands said it was disappointing to be out of action because of the injury, but that the outlook was positive.

"Another six weeks after this week and, if all goes well, I'll be pushing to get out there somewhere around round 18," he said.

He was also confident that the injury wouldn't be a long-term problem once it had healed.

"They're going to put a carbon fibre plate in my right boot, which is what I've been doing with my left," he said.

"They'll both be the same now and I've had no dramas with my left side since I came back."