After serious injuries and nearly two years since his last AFL game, you could forgive a player for feeling less enthusiastic about their footy, but Michael Apeness is as motivated as ever ahead of Saturday’s clash with Essendon.
Talking points: Rd 11 v Essendon
The key forward, who is returning from two knee injuries said that while the road back to AFL football has been challenging, his teammates were a constant source of motivation for him.
“It was pretty tough,” Apeness admitted.
“I’ve had a few chats with ‘Mora’ (Anthony Morabito) because he’s had a few serious injuries. To talk with guys who know what you’re going through has been good.
“There were some dark days in rehab but it was just more motivation to get out there in the purple and play with a great bunch of blokes.”
Apeness was in a familiar location when he received the news of his selection and said he’s both nervous and excited about his return.
“I was downstairs in the gym and Chris Bond asked me to come upstairs,” he said.
“I went up to match committee and Ross (Lyon) said I was playing.
“It’s a really big step up (from WAFL), so I’m a bit nervous and obviously excited to get back up to AFL level.”
