BIG man Mark Jamar says the challenge of taking on star Fremantle giant Aaron Sandilands – still the competition’s tallest player and one of the finest ruckmen of the modern era – remains a challenge he is looking forward to immensely.

The two All-Australian ruckmen will go head-to-head yet again, when they meet at TIO Stadium on Saturday night. And Jamar said he couldn’t wait for the contest.

“I’ve played a lot against big Aaron over the years and had some good days and some bad days,” he told melbournefc.com.au.

“But the beauty about the ruck is that you’re up against a quality opponent every week, and someone who’s got different strengths and attributes, so you’ve got to find a way to beat these different types of rucks.

“Last week, [I was up against] Will Minson, who is an All-Australian ruckman, and is big and strong, and follows up the football really well.

“This week, it’s someone completely different, and who is seven-foot tall in Sandilands. You might only play him once a year, but you really want to try and limit the influence he can have on a game.”

Jamar said with the development of ruckmen teammates Max Gawn and Jake Spencer, although the latter is injured at the moment, it allowed him to push forward.

And last round with Gawn in the side, Jamar went in attack and booted three goals – his second best effort in an AFL match and his finest since his five goals against Carlton at Etihad Stadium in round 21, 2009.

“If you can impact by bringing the ball down to the runners or taking a mark and having a shot at goal – it’s all part of the different roles you need to play in our structure and team,” he said.

“If I can continue to help out in any way, then I’m happy to do that.”

Jamar said playing in Darwin was a great experience, albeit in different conditions.

“I describe the games like wet weather footy on a dry day. Even if the ground’s not dewy, people are sweaty and the ball becomes like a cake of soap at times,” he said.

“It’s definitely a different type of game and both teams have to play in it.