SOMERVILLE, Peter

Peter Somerville came to Essendon from Moe in 1988.

He struggled to maintain a regular place in the side in his early years against Essendon's champion ruckmen, Simon Madden and Paul Salmon, however Madden's retirement and Salmon's continuing injury problems saw him eventually become Essendon's number one ruckman.

Somerville was a confidence player and, as a result, his form was often inconsistent. He represented Victoria in 1991 and was a valuable contributor to the 1993 premiership win. He finally emerged as a top ruckman in 1995 and enjoyed his best season with the Club. His confidence grew enormously, to the point where he was taking big marks in packs and kicking goals in most matches. His rucking style also improved and he provided good drive out of the centre.

His form dropped away again in 1997 but, despite giving away many free kicks, his contribution in the ruck released Steve Alessio to the forward line, thus providing greater team balance.

Somerville was delisted at the end of the 1999 season and in 2000 was appointed playing assistant coach of the North Ballarat Football Club.

He had his own plumbing business in Essendon but moved to the Sunshine Coast in Queensland in 2003 to teach plumbing at the local TAFE. He also acted as part-time coach of Apsley.

His father, John, had been a classy player with Essendon in the 1960s.