Peverill has played an integral role in the Bombers' midfield in the past two seasons and matched it with some of the best midfielders in the competition. However, 2003 didn't start the way the 24-year-old would have liked. Without a preseason under his belt heading into the 2003 season, Peverill is the first to admit his form in the first half of the season wasn't ideal. ""I had been struggling and was on the edge of being booted out of the team,"" Peverill said.
Against Geelong in Round 13, Peverill answered his critics in the best possible way - with a best on ground performance. ""To come out and get 30 odd touches was probably my best game for the club."" For the past six weeks, Peverill has continued that form and been a regular fixture in the Bombers' team.
""I have probably got smarter now on how to play the game and where to run. When I first played seniors I would grab the ball and just kick it because I thought I was going to get tackled, where as now I take my time and try and pick out a better option. I am probably playing my role a little bit differently now. When I first started I was super negative and now I am trying to be more positive,"" Peverill said.
Peverill also believes that being 21 was an advantage in helping him cope with senior football. ""Physically I was better able to cope with playing senior footy. When I was 18 I was still pretty skinny - I was fit enough but probably wasn't strong enough and three years in the gym made it easier to cope with being bashed around by guys that are 100 kilos! Definitely physically it was easier and probably mentally it was easier to cope with as well - dealing with the workload and the stress of being under pressure each week.""
It has been a long path for Peverill to achieve his goal of playing AFL. ""Playing one game is all I ever wanted, so to play 50 this week has been a bonus. Now hopefully I can secure myself in the team and build a fair career for myself. I need to keep getting a kick and hopefully stay around for a few more years. Sheeds has always said you haven't made it until you have played 50 games. He sort of counts the first 50 as an apprenticeship and says you are probably lucky to get half of them,” Peverill said.
Essendon has had good success with the rookie list. Mark Johnson, Dean Rioli, Peverill and Cory McGrath are just some of the names that have come from the rookie list. Peverill said that as a rookie at Essendon you feel part of the club and have faith that if you work hard the coaches will give you an opportunity. Peverill is seen as a role model to a lot of young players at the club about what is possible is if you have dreams. “I never wanted to be role model to anyone but I suppose our stories are an example of it is never too late and keep persevering. When you have been on the rookie list I think you appreciate getting a game more - I still appreciate getting a game now! I have played 50 and I am still rapt every week that I am getting a game,” Peverill said.
