INJURY-ravaged Fremantle big man Michael Apeness will miss the rest of the season after injuring the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in his WAFL comeback game on Saturday.



Apeness was making his return for Peel's reserves after a torn PCL in his left knee, which he hurt in a WAFL practice match in March.

The full AFL injury list for round eight

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," 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."

Apeness has been seen as a long-term replacement for retired champion Matthew Pavlich in the Freo forward line, but injuries have cruelled his career so far.

The 200cm Docker also suffered a broken collarbone last year and has played only seven of a possible 63 games since making his debut in round 16, 2014 against Melbourne.

Apeness' latest blow comes with ruckman Zac Clarke (knee) and emerging young defender Alex Pearce (broken leg) sidelined indefinitely, and with Harley Bennell still at least seven weeks away from playing due to his ongoing calf issues.