Luckless big man Michael Apeness is determined to make the most of his opportunities in the second half of the season after finally managing to carve out a slice of continuity in the Fremantle line-up.

The 200cm Victorian was the Dockers’ first draft pick (No.17 overall) after their grand final season in 2013, but has played only 10 matches in 41/2 seasons because of a string of serious knee injuries.

The club’s second pick that year, Alex Pearce, has endured similar bad luck on the injury front and managed 33 games.

However, both key-position players remain vital in Fremantle’s desire to build a team capable of challenging for a premiership again.

Having played one reserves match in 2017, Apeness showed promising signs on return at Peel this year and was recalled to the Dockers’ side in round 11 when first-choice ruckman Aaron Sandilands was sidelined with concussion.

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The 23-year-old led the ruck with mature-age draftee Scott Jones as support in games against Collingwood and Adelaide, and held his spot as back-up for the returning Sandilands for the 57-point hammering of Carlton on Saturday.

Apeness started deep in attack, took three contested marks, kicked a goal and created another two in a promising display, racking up 10 disposals and eight hit-outs.

“Injuries are no good, but the body’s feeling good and it’s good to string some games together,” Apeness said.

“I’m just trying to play my role for the team, that forward-ruck role, and trying to give effort on game day. I had a few troubles with the knee, but I did all the rehab and tried to build some confidence and form at Peel.

“I did that, so it’s just good to be back playing.”

Apeness tired in the second half against Carlton as he was asked to spend more time in the ruck, with Sandilands pushing forward. Coach Ross Lyon said it was a step in the right direction.

“We haven’t been able to play Michael because he hasn’t been available,” Lyon said.

“We brought him back really quickly, but he fatigued in the second half, so he’ll need continuity and to build his body.

“He’ll need a big summer.

“He basically hasn’t had a pre-season. It’s been incredibly frustrating for him.”

Apeness sits ahead of Jones in the pecking order for now, but faces competition from Sean Darcy, who impressed in eight senior games last year.

Darcy had 41 hit-outs on return from a knee injury with Peel on Saturday alongside fellow Dockers talls Jones, Hugh Dixon and Luke Strnadica.

Fremantle face Brisbane at Optus Stadium on Sunday week in their first match after the bye.

If he is selected, it will be just the second time Apeness has managed four consecutive senior matches and first since 2016.

But first he plans to get away to the country and refresh his 101kg body for a few days this week during the mid-season break.

“I’ll do a bit of camping in Victoria and get my dad along for a bit of fishing,” Apeness said.

“I’ll just freshen up a bit and hopefully catch a few fish.”