Amazingly he still counts himself as one of the lucky ones.

An unexpected wind change saw a firestorm bear down on the family's Conjola Park home on New Years Eve at the height of the bushfire emergency on the South Coast.

Price, together with his parents, chose to stay and attempt to defend their home.

But with water running low and the town burning down around them, they were forced to abandon the house and retreat to the safety of Lake Conjola.

The Prices lost their home, but the Wolves defender is thankful it wasn't worse, as it was for many other families in the region.

"It started as a normal day," Price said. "In the space of a short period of time, everything got out of hand. It was pretty tumultuous.

"We weren't given any warning, all of a sudden it appeared on us. We did our best to fight it off, but in the end water supply was cut off and there was nothing we could do except run.

"We got down to the lake and watched the whole place as it went up. About 90 houses were lost, but there was nothing we could have done.

"My parents are going okay, they're struggling and devastated, but in the end, we all got out safely. It puts it into perspective, family is the most important thing, the house can be replaced.

"Seeing all those people who have suffered, my parents will get through it, but there are some sad stories of those who have lost everything.

"Spending time at the community centre and seeing people who had lost husbands or family members, it's really sad."

The rebuild in Conjola, and elsewhere on the south coast, is expected to take up to 18 months.

For some, insurance and a close-knit family unit will help make the next year easier to negotiate, but for others the hardship ahead will be a financial and emotional challenge.

That is why, Price believes, events such as Saturday night's Football for Firies charity match at Ian McLennan Park are so important.

"It's such a kind gesture that a lot of people are willing to make sacrifices to help out those in need.

"A lot of families around Australia are significantly impacted. These fires have impacted everybody, either directly or indirectly, we all know somebody who has been affected.

"It's such a nice initiative to help people out. There are lots of people doing it tough, some people aren't insured. If the money can go to support those who need it, it will be really good. I know a lot of people are grateful for it."

Price has been overwhelmed by the support shown for victims of the fires from the wider Australian community and within the Illawarra and south coast.

The veteran Wolves star only returned to training on Tuesday night, but his place in Saturday's squad was never in doubt.

And with his parents' seats already reserved, he's hoping he can bring a brief moment of joy during what has been a difficult period.

"I will probably be a bit emotional when I run out, knowing what the game means and the message behind it," Price said.

"That day, I will never forget. It's hard to put into words how scary it was to be there, how quickly it turned. One minute everything was under control, the next minute everything was taken out of our hands.

"Playing this weekend, knowing the situation, it will bring about different types of emotions, but it's nice to be a part of.

"It's also a nice way for people to take their mind off it. Mum and dad will be there, it will be a nice escape and return to normality for them, they'll be able to just watch a game of soccer."

It didn't take long for Saturday's match to turn into a major effort to raise funds for fire victims.

With Luke Wilkshire on board, the list of high-profile stars putting on the boots quickly swelled.

The former Socceroo will be joined by the likes of Scott Chipperfield, Steve Corica and even Wests Tigers hooker Robbie Farah in the Albion Park City Invitational XI that will take on the Wolves at Ian McLennan Park.

The match will kick off at 6pm, with a talent-laden women's City v Country All-Star game to be played at 4pm.

While the City squad will feature players from the Sutherland Shire, some of the Illawarra's top women will turn out for the Country side, with Michelle Carney, Chloe Middleton and Brittany Ring to play.

Entry is by $2 donation to the Salvation Army, with all proceeds raised on the night from food and drink sales to be donated to the bushfire appeal. Organisers are hoping to raise $20,000.

Price is hardly surprised Wilkshire has played such a key role in promoting the event, the veteran thankful for the support shown by his coach and all at the Wolves throughout the past two weeks.

"In any sporting organisation, it's a family," Price said. "You meet wonderful people who are friends for life, who are there to support one another.

"Whether it's a personal crisis or a nationwide crisis like the one we're suffering, it's nice to have people there to look after one another.

"We're lucky at the Wolves, we've got a wonderful team, not only great players, but great individuals. That was evident in our performances last year.

"I returned to training on Tuesday and the love and support from everyone was incredible. It was really nice to be back and feel that. Sport in general has a huge impact on so many areas of people's lives, it's great it can be used to help so many people."