Michael Apeness Biography

Michael Apeness decides to retire after five injury-riddled seasons at the Dockers.

Apeness was set to be thrown a rookie lifeline by Fremantle after being delisted but ultimately chose to hang up the boots.

"We were very sad when Michael came to us to tell about his intentions to retire, it was a really difficult decision for him but we respect that decision," Fremantle general manager of football Peter Bell said.

"He clearly has had a lot of injuries to deal with over his five years at the football club. He’s been a wonderful servant for Fremantle who didn’t get a lot of luck."

Ethan Hughes, Michael Apeness and Ryan Nyhuis are delisted by Fremantle but will be re-drafted as rookies.

"At the start of the Trade Period, Fremantle held just one pick in the opening four rounds but we now hold a pick in the first four rounds, where we plan to utilise the picks to secure new, young players," Fremantle general manager of football Peter Bell said.

"As a result, we have had to make some list changes to make room for the players we are looking to bring in through the draft."

Michael Apeness signs a one-year contract, committing to Fremantle until the end of 2019.

"I've obviously had a few injuries over my first couple of years but it's great to be playing footy in the seniors at the moment, and I'm glad the club signed me on," he said.

Apeness says his next goal is to hone his ruckwork stills to provide another ruck option for the Dockers.

"For most of my career, I've been a forward but (the coaches) see me more as a forward/ruck," Apeness said.

"I haven't done much ruck work in the first couple of years so I'm just trying to build that into my game."

Michael Apeness will miss the rest of the season after injuring the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in his WAFL comeback game.

The injury-plagued 22-year-old's latest setback continues a shocking run since he tore his left PCL in 2015 and was out for most of the year.

Apeness, who will undergo surgery next week, has managed only seven senior games since he was drafted with a first-round pick, No.17 overall, in 2013.

"Given how hard he has worked to get back playing, it is very disappointing for Michael," Fremantle general manager of football operations Chris Bond said.

"After Michael has recovered from surgery, our medical team will set out a rehabilitation program for him to follow and ensure that the he has all the support he requires."

Michael Apeness suffers a torn posterior cruciate ligament playing in a WAFL practice match for Peel Thunder and will be sidelined for six-to-eight weeks.

The 22-year-old doesn't require surgery but will wear a brace on his knee during his rehabilitation.

Michael Apeness signs a two-year contract extension with Fremantle to remain at the club until the end of 2018.

The Dockers have great hope for Apeness despite being troubled by injury through his first three seasons at the club.

"I've had a pretty rough run with injury," Apeness said.

"It's great the club's showed faith in me. I can't wait to pay them back with some good footy."

Michael Apeness makes his AFL debut for Fremantle with 5 disposals (2 kicks and 3 handballs), 2 marks and 3 tackles in a 63-point win over Melbourne.