Zac Dawson’s 13-year career came to an end on Sunday, celebrating a WAFL premiership after Peel’s 16-point win over Subiaco at Domain Stadium.

While Dawson finished the day with a medal around his neck, the day didn’t go as planned with the veteran’s day over after quarter time with a leg injury.

Dawson admitted feeling helpless and ‘a little bit responsible,’  especially as he watched a bruised Peel side come under fire in a difficult third term.

“I was very proud sitting there watching for the last three quarters but I couldn't help feel a little bit responsible when the game was starting to get a little bit out of hand,” Dawson said.

“I thought I could have been helping out there. It was mixed emotions, but the way the guys dug in in the last quarter and fought it out was unbelievable and inspiring for me sitting there.”

From the sidelines, Dawson did everything he could to help his side and was lifted when he saw that his presence on the bench was meaningful to his teammates.

“Once I got injured I made sure I got up to the bench, every time someone came off I was giving some feedback and giving something for them to go back onto the field with,” Dawson said.

“It was also very inspiring that the guys were giving it back to me, saying they were going to get it done for me. It was very nice that the feeling was very mutual, that there was respect going both ways.”

Dawson took solace that his contribution in the opening term was crucial for the Thunder.

A fast start is never more important than in a grand final and Dawson kicked Peel’s opener and set up captain Gerald Ugle for the Thunder’s second.

“It was something I set myself for this week because I was imploring to the guys to get off to a good start,” Dawson said.

“I was really proud to get that first one on the board and help with the first couple. I guess sitting back now, having a little bit of a footprint on the start of the game, it makes it a little bit easier to swallow.”

Dawson drove to Domain Stadium with fellow retiring teammate Garrick Ibbotson and said he leaves the game feeling proud of his career.

"It was a special moment for the both of us to go out on a high so to be able to share it with Garrick was really good," Dawson said.

“I have no regrets. I hope that my family and my friends all feel the same about me because I never went out on the field and left anything out there. 

"I’ll leave the game with no regrets and I’m really proud of myself.”