Dukes of depth - Saturday 2 June 2000

Everyone is aware of bodybuilders that compete for such titles as Mr World and Mr Universe and Mr Olympia won six times by Arnold Schwarzenegger. These designations are supposed to reflect the pinnacles of physical endeavour. But what about an award for Mr Persistence? Judges would be unanimous in presenting the honour to Essendon player Peter Berbakov.

The Berbakov story indicates he is a prince of persistence. No wonder he has the number 20 once worn by Glenn Kilpatrick whose football journey has similarities. Berbakov enjoyed the classic red and black background. Grew up in Sunbury. A junior with a level of concentration that batsmen would kill for. A lot of kids suffered the Miles Davis syndrome big noters at every opportunity. However Berbakov put the team first.

Not surprisingly, he was noticed by the heavies at Gale Ground. He played in the Under 19s then the reserves. But try as he might Peter missed out on the senior list probably because the Dons had some defenders like Glenn Manton and Dustin Fletcher who was drafted under the father-son rule in 1992.The young Don could see the forest and the trees. He viewed the football world in 70 millimetre panavision colour. The big picture.

He crossed to Glenelg in the SANFL acknowledged as the best comp outside the AFL. A try guy of the first order. Berbs performed well in his three years at the Bays. As luck would have it his coach was Mark Williams who would go to Essendon as an assistant.

In the 1995 draft Peter B was a bargain pick up at number 58. He realised a porthole of opportunity. Though placed on the supplementary list, he impressed people with his work rate and his commitment. Berbakov preferred melody to bold solos. This obviously impressed Kevin Sheedy himself with an ear for the tune of defenders.

Two things happened for Berbers at the end of 1995. He was promoted to the senior list and he took over the number 20 jumper when Tim Darcy finished up.In 1996 Sheedy provided a spark to light the fuse of Berbakov's senior career. The 188 centremetre backman was given tasks to rival running marathons in thongs. And week after week he answered the challenge. Threw the army blanket over Chris Grant, put the strait jacket on Matthew Richardson and the cage around Jason Dunstall. PB had the ability to punch the ball short to a crumber or punch long towards the boundary. He was good at helping others accumulate stats.

Through 1997, he added more pepperoni to his pizza. Knew where the goals were. Round 1 of 1997 was famous for Greg Williams pushing an umpire aside by mistake to give Sean Denham a few choice words. But 15 minutes into the opening stanza Berbakov had slotted a fine running goal. In Round 13 of 1998 he marked with the strength of araldite during the Friday night loss to the Eagles at the MCG. 11.6 to 11.17.

At Subiaco in Round 4 of 1999 a debacle for the Dons Berbakov kicked one of Essendon's 3 majors in the loss to West Coast 15.7 to 3.5. During the Round 8 Bombers' loss to the Saints Berbakov busted his ankle. It was the biggest break since Walter Lindrum.PB is now developing some form. But the 12 game winning streak and a settled side means that he needs that customary patience to add to his total of 52 senior starts. And throw into the mix 35 reserves games since '96. Mr Persistence will soon be the king of the comeback .

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