Fremantle ruckman Aaron Sandilands has revealed his burning desire to play AFL again helped keep the negative thoughts at bay during his injury-enforced layoff.

Sandilands missed the first 14 rounds of the season after undergoing surgery on his torn hamstring in March.

It capped a frustrating run for Sandilands, who had been plagued by serious toe injuries over the previous two years.

The 30-year-old was dealt another blow last month when he fractured his cheekbone in just his sixth game back.

But the setbacks have failed to dishearten the 211cm giant, who is shaping as a key weapon in Fremantle’s bid to secure a dream grand final berth.

Sandilands tallied 31 hit-outs, took three contested marks and booted a goal in last week’s shock qualifying win over Geelong.

The three-time All-Australian said he never doubted his ability to return to the field despite the seriousness of his hamstring injury.

“I still had the passion and the love for the game,” Sandilands said on Tuesday.

“There’s no better feeling than running out with 21 of your other teammates.

“The burning desire to get back was always there and if that’s there you don’t think about anything else.”

Sandilands says he’s looking forward to ditching his helmet ahead of next week’s home preliminary final against either Carlton or Sydney.

The 191-game veteran has been forced to wear the headgear for the past two games, but says his cheekbone is now fully healed and ready to handle the rigours of elite football.

“I’m extremely glad to get rid of the helmet,” Sandilands said.

“It got a little bit hot underneath.

“The face feels good. It’s stronger than ever.”