DAMIEN Peverill’s Essendon career will come to a close, after the club confirmed it will not offer the 29-year-old a new contract at the end of the season.

Peverill said he understood the reasons behind the club’s decision, but felt he still has something to offer at the highest level.

“I have loved being a part of the Essendon Football Club,” he told the club website.

“(Coach) Matthew (Knights) has been up front with me and I appreciate that and understand the reasons. We are parting on good terms.

"I am looking forward to the next two weeks and playing the best football I can. I would like to thank my teammates and the Essendon fans for all the support they have given me during my time at the club.

"I will weigh up my options but I would like to think I can still play AFL football. My recent form has been solid and my body is in good shape. I will take some time out post-season to have a think about what I might do."

Matthew Knights paid tribute to Peverill, who has played 142 games for the Bombers, describing him as one of the hardest working players he has coached or played against.

"Damien can be proud of everything he has achieved at this club. He has got every ounce out of himself as a player and set a great example for younger players that have come through the club," Knights said.

"These decisions are very difficult but we have set a direction that we want to take as club. It is important that we inject as much youth as possible into the club at the moment, particularly given the draft implications beyond this season and unfortunately that means making some hard calls and Damien was one of those."