Michael Apeness is continuing to progress from a knee injury after the young forward recommenced running as a part of Fremantle’s rehabilitation group.
Apeness injured his posterior cruciate ligament playing a pre-season game for Peel Thunder against West Perth last month, and high performance manager Jason Weber is buoyed by the 22-year-old’s progress.
“Michael’s doing really well,” Weber said.
“He’s had a significant knee issue but he’s pushed through that and he’s been able to return to training quite nicely.
“He’s running well and we’re hopeful of a good strong return (to playing football) from him.”
Weber added that Hayden Ballantyne was continuing to work hard as the small forward targets a return to AFL footy in the coming months.
“Hayden’s progressing really well, he’s now a couple of weeks post-surgery,” Weber said.
“He’s getting around to his strength work and able to move around freely, so he’s right on target for his return to play.”
After sustaining an injury at training, rookie defender Taylin Duman is expected to make his return to Peel before Easter.
“Taylin had a nasty ankle injury a week ago,” Weber said.
“He’s probably got another week to go before we give him a test and see if we can get him back in around about Good Friday.”
Weber added that new draftee Luke Ryan, who played his debut game for Peel on the weekend, pulled up well after his first game for the season.
“That was Luke’s first game in about nine months, he’s done quite well,” Weber said.
“He was a bit sore this morning, but he got through injury free and he’s ready to go again this week.”
