Demons Great Desperate for Premiership Drought to EndTuesday, May 17, 2022 - 12:17 PM - by Mark Readings

MORE than four decades after Perth’s last WAFL premiership, one of the side’s most influential players has been honoured. 

Ken Inman played 154 games and was an integral part of the Demons Grand Final wins in 1976 and 1977. 

This year he’s been named Perth’s Ball Legend, a tribute to his standing at the club. 

"I was very shocked but honoured to be asked," Inman said.

"There were so many other players who represented the Demons who would be far more deserving of this." 

A determined, team-oriented player, Inman made his debut in 1973 and made his mark as a defender. 

Inman was one of his side’s best players in the 1976 and 1977 triumphs. 

"Our coach Ken Armstrong used to say to the players that when you win a Premiership you never lose that bond with your teammates," he said.

"I think the bond also existed with the numerous Presidents, committee, coaches, past players, sponsors, and supporters who gave their time to make the Perth Football Club a success. 

"It goes without saying my favourite memories come from our two flags. In 1976, we came from fourth position, were underdogs in the Grand Final but always believed we could win when it really counted. 

"1977 was just about the ultimate team performance, resulting in us kicking a record winning score in a Grand Final." 

The champion defender also holds the rare achievement of booting a goal with his first kick at senior level. 

"I was a reserve against East Perth when Ian Miller came off the ground injured," Inman added.

"They put me at full forward, and I bagged the first of four career goals."

"With Perth aiming for three consecutive flags, Inman was made captain in 1978 only to go down to the Royals by two points in an epic Grand Final played in atrocious conditions. 

Two years later, at the age of just 26, Inman shocked many by announcing his retirement. 

Fast forward 42 years and Perth is yet to win another flag, but Inman gets to as many games as possible. 

"It’s a long time between drinks when it comes to premierships, and those of us who were part of 1977 aren’t getting any younger," Inman said.

"It would be fantastic for the current crop of Demons to believe in themselves and make their own piece of history for the Perth Football Club."