Former Fremantle big man Michael Apeness signs at Eastern Football League club North Ringwood

North Ringwood’s quest to end a 28-year drought from top-tier finals has received significant shot with the signing of former Fremantle ruckman Michael Apeness.

Michael Apeness goes up in the ruck against Stefan Martin earlier this year. Picture: Richard Wainwright/AAP

North Ringwood’s quest to end a 28-year drought from top-tier finals has received significant shot with the signing of former Fremantle ruckman Michael Apeness.

The 23-year-old is one of two big recruits unveiled by the Saints, with former Collingwood-listed key-position player Sam McLarty also signing on at Quambee Reserve.

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Apeness, 200cm and 105kg, spent five years on Fremantle’s list, cracking 12 games after being taken as a first-round pick in the 2013 draft.

But his time at the elite level was cruelled by a number of injuries, plagued several knee setbacks.

He announced his retirement from the AFL in November, with his 2018 campaign brought undone by a severe hamstring tear.

North Ringwood president Lee Robinson said Apeness’ signing was a key acquisition for the Saints as they push for their first Premier division finals berth since 1991.

“He trained on Monday night with the group and did the whole training session and he said it’s the best his body has felt,” Robinson said.

“He only flew in on Friday so we had a meeting with him on Saturday morning and came to terms with him.”

Robinson said Apeness would add another focal point in attack after the Saints signed former Montrose forward Billy Schilling in September.

“His parents live in Ringwood and it’s just good timing for him to come back and play some local football,” he said.

“His body is feeling really good and he’s looking forward to getting involved with North Ringwood.”

Sam McLarty in a VFL appearance for Collingwood. Picture: Michael Klein

McLarty was recruited to Collingwood in 2016 but failed to make a senior appearance at the Magpies.

He was delisted in October and signed with VFL club Williamstown last month.

“We hope Sam gets back into the AFL system because he is only a 20-year-old kid but I would say he’ll be a great pick up for Williamstown,” Robinson said.

“There’s obviously byes and split rounds when we’ll hopefully get Sam for four matches during the year maybe.”

Former Eastern Ranges ruckman Jasper Rouget has also recommitted to North Ringwood after an injury-interrupted 2018.

The Saints expect to announce a new coach in the coming week after Brett Moyle stepped down from the role in November.

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