The Eaton Boomers have travelled a hard road in the South West Football League, but the modern day outfit of the club now has a chance to cement themselves as a dynasty with an opportunity to gain back-to-back flags on Sunday.
The Boomers spent multiple years occupying the depths of the ladder but a rise to the top in recent times has seen them become a powerhouse team.
After a string of consecutive, unsuccessful finals appearances Eaton was able to win their first premiership as a club in 2013.
Their recruiting in the 2012-13 off-season saw them form a team that went unrivalled, losing only one game all season and claiming a grand final win over Collie.
But for all the glory that surrounds Eaton’s recruited players such as Jake Ferrier, Leigh Kelly and Josh Bowe, the Boomers boast an array of talented locals who give the team something others don’t have.
Pike medallists Gino Catalano and Michael Battaglia take to the field as South West local players the same as Chris Atthowe, Will Oelsnik, Brent Piercey and many more.
Another impressive factor about Eaton in recent years has been their ability to lure players from other South West clubs.
Jace and Jye Cormack, formerly of the Bunbury Bulldogs, have tasted success with the Boomers while Jay Davis, William Barnes and Blake Piggot who all spent time playing with the Harvey Bulls are now premiership players with Eaton.
Piggot did not play senior football with the Bulls but played all of his junior days there.
Leigh Kelly (Busselton) also entered the Boomers from a rival club.
Controversy struck Eaton last off-season when former head coach Alan McDonald was told his services wouldn’t be required at Eaton in the 2014 season less than a month after winning the club’s first premiership.
But the move can now be classed as a masterstroke with first-year coach Richard Barnard now at the helm.
Boomers members and players took a quick shine to Barnard and a flag in his first season with the club would make him even more popular.
Back-to-back flags are a task easier said than done though and standing in Eaton’s way is a red and white giant in South Bunbury.
Can the Boomers pull off an upset win and take home their second premiership in as many years? We will know come Sunday.