Just four short weeks ago Damien Peverill was playing in a practice match for the Essendon VFL side against the Kangaroos at Windy Hill. Just prior to half-time he went to block an opposition player - unfortunately he left himself open to a perfect hip and shoulder and the lights went out. The 22-year-old was knocked out and lay on the ground motionless as trainers and medical staff went to his aid. But in the space of a month it has gone from lights out to light on - after four years of perserverance his AFL career has finally got underway.

""I really can't remember being knocked out. I woke up in the change rooms and was told what had happened,"" Peverill said. It was another setback - albeit a minor one - in Peverill's ongoing battle to make a senior AFL list. Peverill joined the Bombers last season as a top up player and did exceptionally well finishing runner-up in the reserves best and fairest award. It was a feat he had achieved at Melbourne Football Club the previous season. It saw him promoted to Essendon's rookie list this season.

""I suppose if you can't make a senior list then the rookie list is the next best thing. Obviously you can't play senior football as a rookie but it means you still have your foot in the door,"" Peverill said. ""The past few years have been frustrating at times but you can only continue to work hard and hope that things turn around."" And that is exactly what Peverill did. He has earned enormous respect from his teammates for his work ethic on the track.

Peverill played his junior football with Keilor Park - the same club as star midfielder Joe Misiti. He grew up and is best mates with Joe's younger brother Rick. Ironically Joe Misiti was injured and put onto the long-term injury list paving the way for Peverill to move onto the senior list and ultimately get selected for his first game against Sydney last Friday night.

""I got a phone call and was told I was playing on Thursday but I was told not to tell anyone which was pretty hard. I did tell my parents though - I had to tell someone,"" Peverill said. Despite finally cracking it for a senior game, Peverill said he was surprisingly calm prior to the match.

""I wasn't really nervous at all. I was with Rob Forster-Knight prior to the match - he was playing his first game as well and he couldn't even speak. He is quiet at the best of time but even more so on Friday night. The senior players really helped both of us,"" Peverill said.

Peverill had the daunting task of starting in the centre square and minding the dangerous Sydney veteran Wayne Schwass. It was a job he did exceptionally well - collecting 20 possessions for the match and kicking an early goal.

""I went okay but it won't guarantee me a game this week. We have some very good players coming back and someone will have to make way for them. I just hope I get selected again - it would be great to play Anzac Day,"" Peverill said. He just might get his chance.