He was talked into joining Eastern Football League club Doncaster East, however, by former Northern Blues teammate Rami Ayoubi, and a standout season has revived his chances at the elite level.  

"He always said that he still harboured the desire to play at the highest level again," Doncaster East football manager Michael Gordon told AFL.com.au.  

"That's always been what he's been striving to do and he hasn't given up hope."

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Peterson was recruited by Richmond in the 2006 NAB AFL Draft but didn't play a game for the Tigers.

He was then snared by Hawthorn as a rookie in 2010 and played 17 games but was delisted at the end of the season.

Joining Doncaster East a handful of games into the season, the West Australian had an immediate impact and finished the season with 38 goals from 12 games.   

He played deep forward, where he took a number of high-flying marks, and through the midfield where he was generally a class above, according to Gordon.

A carpenter by trade, Peterson was valued at Doncaster East for his willingness to mentor and help teammates and engage in the social aspects of the local football club.

There were no surprises when St Kilda came knocking late in the year.