Fremantle take on Essendon this Saturday night at Optus Stadium in their last home game of the season, where the club will also farewell four-time All Australian ruckman Aaron Sandilands.

The two-time winner of the Dockers Best and Fairest announced his retirement on Tuesday morning, after playing a stellar 270 games for the club.

A calf injury earlier in the season was a factor in Sandilands’ decision to call it quits.

The 36-year-old will likely play two more games before he finishes up at the end of the season.

After losing to St Kilda last week, 12^th placed Fremantle will be pushing for the possibility of a finals appearance as the business end of the season draws closer.

Captain Nat Fyfe was a key player in last week’s game, with 33 disposals and two goals and will be hoping to continue that form into this week’s game.

The seventh-placed Bombers will be looking to regain their confidence after last week’s severe 104-point loss to the Bulldogs, putting their chances at making finals on the chopping block.

Fyfe and Merrett are expected to be a likely matchup, with both players set to battle for possession in the midfield.

The third-placed Eagles clash with Richmond on Sunday afternoon at the MCG, in what is expected to be a blockbuster match, as they look to further cement their chances of a home final.

After winning seven games in a row and with former Brownlow Medalist Dustin Martin returning, the Tigers will be looking confirm their spot in the top four.

Richmond Captain Trent Cotchin is out of the team as he continues to recover from a minor hamstring injury sustained in round 19.

Last time the teams met in round nine last season, the 2018 Premiers were 47-point victors over the Tigers.