Bomber rookie Damien Peverill, who made such a big impression in his nine-game stint on the senior list earlier this season, has been diagnosed with a stress fracture in his right foot. The injury will sideline Peverill for up to six weeks - the best case scenario could see him back in four weeks. Peverill pulled up sore after his first game back since returning to the rookie list against Werribee last Saturday. A scan was immediately done on the foot and the bad news confirmed yesterday.

""It is obviously very disappointing for Damien but injuries are an unfortunate part of football. We are hopeful he will be back before the end of the home and away season and available to play finals,"" Essendon football manager Matthew Drain said.

Peverill came off the Bombers' rookie list in late April and made his debut against the Sydney Swans. Peverill had an excellent game against Wayne Schwass and went from strength to strength in the following eight rounds. Peverill came onto the list when Joe Misiti went on the long-term injury list because of a knee injury. Misiti returned for the Bombers' round 13 match against Fremantle meaning Peverill returned to the rookie list.