Mateship and determination: The Waroona premiership that sparked four years of dominance

Clipped by the eventual premiers South Mandurah in a semi final and prematurely ousted by Mundijong in the preliminary clash the week after, the side was left with some self-reflection to do.

They'd been finals contenders for the past three years, but had struggled to take the next step.

So understandably, there were question marks surrounding the league side when the 2009 pre-season rolled around.

But there was a feel of quiet confidence down at Parnell Street.

Paul Pannell had just taken the reins as the senior coach, and some extra additions to the playing group had the Demons feeling pretty good about themselves.

They were right to feel that way.

Early on in the season it was plain to see the group had was building to something special, which premiership player Mat Thomas attributed to two things: A professional club culture, and a close bond among the playing group.

"Mateship was the main driver," he said.

"I think I could say with confidence everyone who came through our club either stayed or left with very fond memories.

"When you've got that bond between the core group, along with the right people in the office like [president at the time] Paul Anzellino and Deb Clancy, from the top down you're built for success.

"We were lucky enough to have that and it drove a really strong culture."

Now a four-time flag winner, Thomas was 23-years-old entering the 2009 season, and was part of a lethal playing group.

Alongside him were the likes of dominant forward Simon Horner, captain Adam Clancy and Peel Football and Netball League legend Jasan Hysen.

Not to mention Craig Callaghan, Courtney Lakay, Troy Purser, Craig Campbell, Dusty Roberts, Dean Taylor and many more.

It was a group that made light work of the regular season, taking out the minor premiership to enter the finals on top of the ladder.

They would end up clashing with the reigning premiers South Mandurah in the big dance, a fearsome outfit led by superstar Rod Tregenza.

In a game Thomas described as a "cracker", the Demons were off to a hot start before the Falcons steadily clawed back into the frame.

Waroona would eventually hold steady and kick the winning goals they needed, with Horner damaging at full forward while Roberts was named best-on-ground.

The 15.12 (102) to 12.11 (83) victory delivered Waroona's first Peel Football League flag, their previous having come under the banner of the Murray Districts Football League in 1989, 20 years prior.

The run of four consecutive league premierships that ensued, no one could have predicted, but 2009 will always hold a special place in the hearts of players like Thomas.

"It meant a lot to the club, and us as players," he said.

"I consider myself really fortunate to have been a part of what we achieved and what we started that year.

"It was a golden run."

The Demons will be honouring their inaugural PFL premiership side when they host a 10-year reunion at Parnell Street Oval this Sunday.