You would not find a harder worker on an AFL list than Damien Peverill. His work ethic is unquestioned and he has had another restricted pre-season due to shin splints. Despite this hurdle in his training he is still fit and firing for the season ahead and you can expect big things from him. ""Damien is a player that a lot of players should take a leaf out of his book for his professionalism about making league football,"" Bomber coach Kevin Sheedy said.

2003
After battling to find form in the first half of the season due to injury, Peverill hit back hard after the mid-season break. He returned to form in Round 13 against Geelong and finished the game with 31 possessions. In the past Peverill has tended to play more of a tagging role, but in 2003 he worked hard at becoming more of an attacking player and created a number of forward attacks for the team. His work rate and training ethic was unquestioned again last season.

STRENGTHS
Peverill is renowned for giving 100% every time he runs out in the red and black guernsey. His dedication and never give up attitude ensures that he is a vital component of the Essendon line-up. Peverill is one of the fittest players in the team, guaranteeing he can run out all games and at times overrun opponents. He has a tireless work rate and is an impressive tackler. Peverill is a great contributor and team player.

POSITION
Peverill is a key fixture in the Bombers’ mid-field. In past seasons he was used as a tagger and his main role was to shut down opposition mid-fielders. In 2003 he became more attacking in his role and was effective in creating play and forward attacks for the team.

2004
As in past seasons, Peverill was hampered by chronic shin splint injuries again this pre-season. He was restricted to bike work and swimming. Being such a courageous player, this injury has not kept Peverill down. He is determined and despite not completing a full pre-season is fit and ready to go. Peverill has a heart as big as ‘Pharlap’ and Bomber supporters can expect big things from him again in 2004.

WHAT SHEEDY SAYS
Damien has had such a restricted pre-season training, but in the end he is such a dedicated player. He is a player that a lot of players should take a leaf out of his book for his professionalism about making league football. He is a tremendous young player who is striving to get that 100 games up. I have no doubt he will get to 100 games and not many AFL players would play 100 games coming off the rookie list. He will be one of them!