Sampi revealed that a conversation with 1994 premiership defender David Hart, who missed out on the club's inaugural success in 1992, at Friday's Grand Final parade formed the basis for his pact with Nicoski, his team-mate in last year's loss to Sydney.
"Both of us got very emotional at the parade yesterday. Emotionally, we were disappointed this morning and afterwards," said Sampi.
"We spoke to David Hart and with him missing out in 1992, he just gave us a few words of comfort. And that's when we looked at each other and said we'll be back next year."
Unfortunately for the pair, who Sampi said had taken the win 'very hard', injury played a major part in ruining their premiership dreams and both were not considered for Grand Final selection.
While Nicoski, a fine running defender with a piercing left-foot kick, is widely considered a member of the club's best 22 when fit, he ran out of time to impress selectors after hurting his Achilles against Hawthorn round 14.
Sampi was dogged by poor form and a hamstring strain earlier in the season, but returned in round 17 only to have his season ended when he was dropped for the final game of the home and away season.
In a cruel twist, both players lined up on each other last weekend in the WAFL Grand Final, which would prove to be their last opportunity to push for a berth in the Eagles' 22.
"I played on Mark and a few words were exchanged, a few blows were exchanged. Deep down we're very good mates and we both love and respect each other as person and as team-mates," Sampi said.
"We were both fighting for a spot this week. Even though we both weren't considered we both wanted to perform under the watchful eye of the coaching staff."
The pain of missing out on this year's glory, Sampi said, would spur him on to greater things in 2007 and get rid of the mixed emotions he was currently feeling.
"(It) makes me want to start training straight away. Next year's the one. Hopefully we can go back to back. As you said we're still a young side and we want to do it next year as well," he said.
"A bit of mixed emotions deep down. I want to celebrate with the side. Deep down personally, you just want to be out there."
