Apeness, who was Freo’s first selection (17) in the 2013 AFL Draft, debuted in last Saturday’s win over Melbourne in Darwin after Matthew Pavlich was a late withdrawal.
He only had five disposals and was subbed off in the third quarter, but Lyon said the 19-year-old Victorian had showed enough to earn another crack.
“I thought he was really good,” Lyon said.
“It was tough conditions in Darwin, but he competed really strongly. He’s an exciting young talent.”
Lyon said he hadn’t rated Apeness’ game by disposals and marks alone, but rather his effort and ability to impact the contest.
“As long as they don’t get out-marked (and) as long as the ball is brought to ground, you’re pretty happy as a coach,” he said.
“Last week he was outnumbered and he brought it to ground, and that brings (Hayden) Ballantyne and those guys into the game.
“He’s a bit of a beast and we’re looking for that in our front half. He has an opportunity again this week, I would think.”
The Freo senior coach highlighted some established AFL key forwards as good examples of the time it can take for young talls to come to hand.
“It’s hard for young talls, I remember Drew Petrie in his first year, I think, averaged four touches,” Lyon said.
“Ben Reid at Collingwood played two games in his first three years and, in his fourth year, he blossomed and played in a premiership.
“It’s never been tougher in the AFL, being a power forward, particularly young ones.”
Lyon said Matt Taberner was another tall forward with good potential and added he probably would have played against Melbourne had he not sustained an injury in round 15.
