Fremantle have suffered a huge blow early in their AFL clash with Richmond at the MCG, with ruckman Aaron Sandilands sustaining what appears a knee injury in the opening two minutes.

Sandilands was substituted soon after, and will take no further part in the match.

He returned to the sideline midway through the first quarter with his knee heavily strapped.

Arguably the AFL’s premier ruckman, Sandilands’ clash with in-form Tiger Ivan Maric was shaping as a pivotal duel in a match between two clubs desperately needing a win to stay in touch with the top eight.