THE FUTURE of midfielder Damien Peverill could ultimately be decided by the club's determination to get the most out of the "last uncompromised draft", according to coach Matthew Knights.
Peverill and teammate Jason Johnson were told earlier in the season that opportunities would be limited this year with Knights' focus on youth.
After breaking back into the side in round 14 following a stint in the VFL, Peverill's run heightened with 30 disposals and nine clearances against Melbourne on Saturday.
But Knights indicated the improvement in the 29-year-old's form might not be enough to secure his future at the club, given the upcoming draft restrictions the Gold Coast and West Sydney franchises are set to force.
"It's really difficult," he said. "What you've got to match up, it's not just the equation of whether it's Jason or Pev or a senior player, this is the last uncompromised draft.
"It's really important that you maximise your picks, and the evolution of the game means that there's five or six players that come onto your list at the end of the year and five or six players that have to leave.
"That's the brutal reality of AFL footy. When we sit down and have those discussions over the next two to four weeks, that's when it will come to fruition."
However, Knights praised Peverill's recent efforts and his ability to put the disappointment of his discussions with the coaching staff behind him.
"He's got a strong mind, and when I sat down with him and Jason, it was tough for them," he said.
"I said [to them that] while opportunities may be scarce, it doesn't mean you won't be playing, but at times it will be tough mentally.
"He's rode through that, come out the other side, and when he's come into the team, he's taken his opportunity.
"For that, he's contributing really well and he's a strong part of our team at the moment.
"All credit to him. In regards to post this year, we haven't sat down and had those discussions, so that's something for the end of the year."
Knights also recognised the performance of Andrew Lovett, who returned from a two-game club suspension for missing a training session.
"To come back and have 21 disposals and kick two goals, I thought was a very sound effort," he said.
"He played a decent part in us winning the game. He's a quality footballer, and you don't get too many more damaging players with the ball in his hands.
"We were always of the opinion that he'd serve his sanction and then we'd get on with it."
