Luckless Fremantle big man Michael Apeness will miss the remainder of 2017, after suffering a posterior cruciate ligament injury in his right knee over the weekend.
Apeness sustained the injury while playing for the Peel Thunder reserves in the WAFL on Saturday afternoon.
The 22-year-old has had a wretched run with injuries of late, missing the majority of the 2015 season with a left PCL injury, before tearing his PCL in his left knee again in March this year. He had only recently returned to the field.
He also missed most of 2016 due to a broken collarbone.
“Given how hard he has worked to get back playing, it is very disappointing for Michael,” general manager of football operations Chris Bond said.
“After Michael has recovered from surgery, our medical team will set out a rehabilitation program for him to follow and ensure that the he has all the support he requires.”
Apeness, who is contracted until 2018, has managed just seven senior games in four years at the club.