He made his senior debut in 1966, after being recruited from a local Footscray District Football League club, the West Footscray Roosters. He played briefly in Footscray's Under 19's squad, before making his senior debut.
Sandilands was a key position forward and topped Footscray's goalkicking every season from 1972 to 1975. His best season tally was 50 goals which he kicked in 1974. Sandilands also captained the club that season and he remained in charge for a further two seasons. In 1978, he moved to Collingwood and played with the Magpies for one season, retiring after three games.