AARON Sandilands is set to miss the start of Fremantle's JLT Community Series campaign after suffering a calf strain.

Sandilands was a notable absentee on the track at Fremantle Oval on Wednesday.

The club has confirmed the veteran experienced some tightness in his left calf at training on Monday and scans have revealed a minor strain.

The giant 211cm ruckman will spend between three-to-five weeks in the rehabilitation group to ensure he is available for the Dockers' round one clash with Geelong at Domain Stadium on March 26.

Sandilands' setback is a blow to Freo's pre-season preparations and comes after star midfielder Lachie Neale recently rejoined main training following three bouts of off-season surgery on his wrist, shoulder and knee.

Harley Bennell is still on the comeback trail after another setback with his troublesome calves in November, with the 24-year-old building up his running program.

In more positive news for the Dockers, big man Jonathon Griffin is back in full training after Achilles soreness interrupted his pre-season.

However, 203cm ruckman Zac Clarke is still working his way back to fitness after injuring his knee in the gym in December.

Griffin and Clarke shouldered the majority of the ruck load last year with No.1 big man Sandilands missing most of the season with broken ribs.

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