Emerging Fremantle forward Michael Apeness has agreed to terms for a two-year contract extension that will see him at the club through to the end of at least the 2018 season.

“I’m really excited to stay at the Dockers and I’d like to thank the club for putting their trust in me,” Apeness said.

 “I love the place, I love the team and I love the club. I’ve got great teammates and I just love playing my footy over here in WA.

“I’m pumped to stay at the club.”

Apeness, who was pick 17 pick in the 2013 National Draft, has played three AFL games since making his debut in round 16 against Melbourne in 2014.

In the early stages of 2015, he tore his posterior cruciate ligament, which saw him miss the rest of the season. He returned to the WAFL in  2016 in round 9 for Peel Thunder’s 41-point loss to South Fremantle.

In round 11, Apeness returned to the senior side for Fremantle’s clash with Essendon, where he fractured his collarbone. He missed another seven weeks after undergoing surgery on his collarbone.

WAFL watch player stats: Saturday 30 July

“I’ve had a pretty rough run with injury,” Apeness said.

“It’s great the club’s showed faith in me. I can’t wait to pay them back with some good footy.”

Apeness returned to the WAFL in Peel Thunder’s 11-point win over Perth in round 18 and kicked five goals against Claremont in round 19 in his second game back from injury.

“It’s feeling really good,” he said.

“I’m getting a bit of fitness back from injury and going forward, it should be good.”

Fremantle’s general manager of list management Brad Lloyd said the club was pleased the 21-year-old had re-signed.

“We are very pleased that Michael has committed to the club until the end of the 2018 season,” he said.

“Michael is a great size with the ability to cover the ground very well. He is a powerful contested marking player with a strong attack on the ball. He will play an important role on our playing list in the future, so we look forward to seeing him continue to develop as a player."