Michael Apeness has discovered the big rise in difficulty level going from WAFL to AFL over the past fortnight.

The 19-year-old forward from Eastern Ranges in Victoria debuted against Melbourne in Darwin and played in front of the Freo fans a week later at Patersons Stadium.

He has not kicked a goal yet, but senior coach Ross Lyon has been pleased with his effort and ability to contest.

Apeness’ first opponent was quality Demons’ defender James Frawley. It was an eye-opening experience for the young Freo Docker.

“He manhandled me all around the ground,” he said.

“The biggest difference in the AFL is the size of the bodies, and the key defenders don’t let you do what you want in the forward line.

“They check you and don’t let you launch at the ball.”

Apeness said his teammates have been a great support as he attempted to learn the side’s structures.

“They’ve been really helpful, especially my first game,” he said.

“They helped me get into the right positions, pointing to me where to stand, and that really helped.

“It was really good having Matthew Pavlich down there in my second game, too.

“Obviously, he’s a great player and he offered me great support and advice.”

It was Pavlich’s late withdrawal from the round 16 game in Darwin that gave Apeness his first crack at the big time.

He had flown over as an emergency, but he had no idea what was transpiring with Freo’s skipper.

“That morning of the game, in the team meeting, Ross told me I was playing, so it was really exciting,” he said.

“I presumed I was going to be the emergency, but suddenly I was a bit nervous.”

After lunch with the team, Apeness called his parents, who he said were excited, but also disappointed they couldn’t be there for his first AFL game.

“It was a little too late notice,” he said.

However, the club flew mum and dad over to Perth for Apeness’ second game a week later.

“It was good, they were up in the crowd and it was great to have them there watching me,” he said.

As for running out in front of the Freo faithful for the first time, Apeness said: “It was something I’m not used to, it was a bit intense.”

If he keeps giving great effort and improving at the rate he has done so this year, Michael Apeness will get used to it.