He’s fitter than he has been for years, but Fremantle ruckman Aaron Sandilands reckons people will be wasting their money if they back him to win this year’s AFL Brownlow medal.

Sandilands was beset by toe and hamstring issues between 2011-13, with the three-time All-Australian managing just 37 out of a possible 71 games during that period.

But after enjoying a flawless pre-season, the 31-year-old is on track to reclaim his status as one of the game’s premier ruckmen.

The 211cm giant tallied 19 disposals and 39 hit-outs in Fremantle’s 70-point thumping of Collingwood a fortnight ago, and the Dockers will be hoping for another big effort in Saturday night’s clash with Gold Coast at Patersons Stadium.

Sandilands is so confident his body will hold up for a full year that he’s already re-signed for 2015.

But he’s not so sure he will be up there in the Brownlow voting.

“There’s a lot better players out there to put your money on,” Sandilands said with a laugh on Tuesday.

Gold Coast’s Gary Ablett, Adelaide midfielder Patrick Dangerfield and Docker Nat Fyfe are among the favourites to win this year’s Brownlow.

Sandilands and Zac Clarke formed a dominant ruck duo during Fremantle’s charge to last year’s grand final.

Clarke is a strong chance to return this week after finally overcoming the knee injury he sustained at a music festival in Victoria last December.

The 23-year-old has a history of being able to have an immediate impact after injury, and Sandilands backed Clarke to regain his mojo quickly.

“He’s an amazing athlete,” Sandilands said.

“It’s probably his biggest strength. Being able to use that against guys that aren’t as mobile as he is is a major thing for him.”

Sandilands joined a number of teammates on Tuesday to help promote the Starlight Children’s Foundation, with the Dockers using their game against Gold Coast to help raise money for the cause.