Berisha controversially won and converted a stoppage-time spotkick to decide the A-League finale and earn Brisbane back-to-back championships.

However, Nichols admitted the nature of events which decided the match made the final whistle a touch unusual.

“It put a bit of a downer on it for me when the final whistle went because I didn't think it was a penalty. But that's the way football goes,” Nichols told Fox Sports.

He added: “I feel sorry for the Perth boys. They played outstanding.

“To lose it like that, I'd hate to be on their side. Full credit to them.”

Nichols however enjoyed going back-to-back and hailed his side's ability to fight until the end.

“It's unbelievable. To go back-to-back is something I never thought would happen and i'm just over the moon,” he said.

“We've got the best self belief. The gaffer drills it in us day-in day-out that it's not over until the final whistle goes and we showed that tonight again, just like last year.”

And Nichols admitted winning this season's championship had been tougher than last term.

“It was a lot more challenging this year. We were the champions so people were out to get us,” Nichols said.

“We slackened off a little bit halfway through the season but full credit to the boys, we came back strong and got the job done again tonight.”