Playing his first senior game back from a long stint on the sidelines due to injury, Michael Apeness could be excused for easing back into his AFL career when Fremantle took on Collingwood at the MCG on Sunday.

It was 645 days between Apeness’ seventh and eighth game for Fremantle, with multiple knee injuries the primary factor in keeping the 200cm forward/ruckman sidelined.

There was no bigger test than going up against Brodie Grundy, with the star ruckman helping Collingwood win the ruck battle against Freo’s duo of Apeness and debutant Scott Jones.

Outside of the hitout count, where Apeness contributed 17, the 23-year-old put up comparable numbers against Grundy - well known for being an ‘extra midfielder’ with his ability to follow up in the contest and win the ball.

Of Apeness’ 17 possessions, 11 were contested, while Grundy had 18 possessions with 10 contested.

Apeness won four clearances on the day, two more than Grundy and not far behind the likes of Fyfe (five) and Neale (six).

He also laid five tackles and kicked a goal.

On a difficult day where Collingwood controlled most of the game, Apeness enjoyed standing up to the challenge.

“It was good to get out there but, unfortunately, we just couldn’t get the result,” Apeness said.

“Collingwood just outplayed us but it was good to be out and playing again.”

“It was a tough day for both of us against Grundy and Mason Cox but big Jonesy competed and I feel we did well.

“Grundy’s a really good ruckman. I struggled to get the hitouts against him and his follow up is really good, so he’s a really good player.”

Apeness’ final term goal was one of seven for Freo as the team pulled back the deficit against the Magpies.

“Ross (Lyon) told us at three-quarter time to keep up the effort around the contest so it was good that the boys held up in the last quarter,” Apeness said.

“I was mostly in the ruck but I went up forward and I think I got a free kick.

“I was happy just to kick the goal. A couple of the boys, Barra (David Mundy) and the other forwards got around me. It was a good moment.”