Wollongong Wolves rue missed opportunities after shock finals exit

And he was there in 2016, when the Wolves finished 11^th in a 12-team competition.

He knows how tough it is to achieve success in a competition stacked with cashed up Sydney powerhouses.

That's what makes the pain of Saturday afternoon's semi-final defeat so raw.

After a dominant season that saw Wollongong sweep aside their rivals en route to the premiership, the Wolves saw their year come to an abrupt end on Saturday.

Two losses in the space of four days put an end to any hopes of an NPL double, with Wollongong bundled out of the finals in straight sets.

For Price, who has been with the team during the high points and the low periods, it was heartbreaking to see such a successful season come to an end in such sudden and disappointing fashion.

"I can't put the feeling into words," Price said. "It's extremely disappointing. For such a successful season that we've had, it had so much promise, to go out like that, two losses four days apart from one another, is bitterly disappointing.

"It hurts immensely, and it's still only pretty raw. I daresay tonight, tomorrow, the rest of 2019, it will hurt.

"It's one that got away. We said to the boys all week leading into it, these opportunities don't come around very often. It's been a long time between drinks for this club, so it's disappointing.

"We've had such a positive year, we can't be too down on ourselves. To win the minor premiership, we've proved we were the best team over the 22 rounds, over the course of the year, so we can hold our heads high and be proud of our efforts, because it's been a super season.

"But it does leave a sour taste in your mouth, to know we've gone out like that."

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After suffering a shock loss to APIA Leichhardt on Wednesday night, the Wolves were determined to bounce back and book their place in Saturday's grand final.

A 43rd minute goal to Stefan Dimoski put Wollongong in control of the match and they looked set to double their advantage early in the second half.

Despite their chances, the Wolves were unable to land the knockout blow, with Sydney United 58 digging in to keep their season alive.

However, for all of Wollongong's dominance, it was Sydney United who hit back, Liam Rose leveling the scores in the 66th minute before Patrick Antelmi landed the match-winner with 10 minutes to play.

The Wolves pushed for an equaliser, with Darcy Madden denied a penalty claim in the 91^st minute, however Sydney United 58 held firm to claim a 2-1 victory.

The final whistle kicked off jubilant celebrations from the travelling United fans, however the revelry took a negative turn when a flare was let off.

In a statement, Football NSW said the club will be investigated and could face a fine or the loss of competition points.

"We at Football NSW do not condone this type of behaviour in our sport," the statement said.

"We will be reviewing the incidents of a flare being let off at the match yesterday (Saturday) and follow due course with sanctions imposed.

"Verifying that, the sanctions could include fines and the loss of points."

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