You can now add Woonona in 2020 to that list.

The Sharks caught the Illawarra football community off guard by claiming this year's Premier League premiers trophy on Sunday afternoon.

The title had appeared a formality heading into the last round. Wollongong United held a three-point and three-goal advantage in top spot from Woonona, and were set to face cellar dwellers Coniston.

However, a 'Cono' goal in the dying minutes saw them score an upset 3-2 win, while the Sharks thrashed South Coast United 3-0 to leapfrog United on the ladder.

See more: McGoldrick full of praise as Sharks claim silverware

It is their first IPL title win in the club's 131-year history and caps an incredible rise for Woonona. From 11^th spot in 2018, they then narrowly missed out on finals last year.

Due to the impact of COVID, the club hasn't been able to pay their players or coach Dan McGoldrick in 2020.

"All of these lads are playing for nothing, they don't get a cent," McGoldrick told the Mercury last month.

"That's just the circumstances of COVID, and I know it's affected some more clubs more than others. Some clubs can still pay some players but I can assure you that from coach down, no one is getting paid."

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Instead, there is something old school about these Sharks. They like to work hard and McGoldrick insists that they play for each other.

He also hasn't been afraid to give youth a run.

"Pre COVID, I thought the team that I had was ok," McGoldrick said.

"Then after COVID, we lost a whole bunch of players and we promoted Taro Regan Williams, Luke Toohey, Robbie Gaudiosi and Damien Grew, and it just gave the whole squad a lift. These young guys, most of them had come from Bulli and were used to winning in the under 20s and under 23s. They're 12 months in front of where they really would have been at another club.

"What I'd like to think is we're a club of opportunity, we can't compete with the bigger money clubs. But what we can offer is a real decent chance to play first grade if you're good enough: you'll get a crack. And the camaraderie, the whole team and club bond thing. Everyone is friends off the field, 20s, all age, first grade. We're all very little campers at the moment."

The Sharks will now enjoy a week off before their Illawarra Premier League finals campaign gets under way.

McGoldrick told the Mercury on Sunday that while he was "ecstatic" to win the premiers trophy, he hoped to complete the title double.

"I'm old school. The league championship is the be-all and end-all. And anything beyond this is a bonus," the coach said.

"But don't get me wrong, I'd still love to win a grand final."