In a match that paired the Top-Two sides from the regular season – Sutherland Sharks finished ahead of the Wolves on goal difference – the playing standard was high, as Grand Final 2008 produced six-goals with the Wolves running out 4-2 winners.

Played in-front of big name A-League players Mark Bosnich, Alex Brosque, Pedj Bojic and Terry McFlynn, NSW’s best talents put on a great show for all to see.

Sutherland Sharks took the lead early courtesy of a Nick Stavroulakis goal following a great Justin Pasfield save; the Wolves shot-stopper parried an effort from Brendan Gan, though the follow-up fell to Stavroulakis who did not have any trouble slotting home.

Despite Wollongong’s positive response, half-chances to Ilija Prenzoski and Matt Bailey failed to hurt the Sharks inside the first 25’ minutes.

A lapse in concentration moments later though did spring John Turner’s men to life as Wollongong drew level.

A long throw-in by Michael Hawrysiuk from the left was nodded on by Balla Conde into the path of Matt Bailey; Bailey’s glancing header finished out of goalkeeper Phillip Zabak’s reach and inside the far post.

Sutherland seemed rattled, despite Stavroulakis playing Jim Bakis behind the Wolves defence for a Sharks half-chance.

A clumsy foul by Neil Jablonski from 25-metres out – and a slightly decentralised position – provided Tynan Diaz with a goal-scoring chance. The Wolves player curled a wicked free-kick directly at goal, much to the surprise of everyone in the Stadium, leaving Zabaks with no chance.

The goal is arguably one of the best goals of the season.

The heart of the Wolves midfield was marshalled by Steve Hayes with his tireless performance, earning the youngster the ‘Man of the Match’ award.

Sutherland’s attempts to draw level were frequent, though not clear cut, and on the hour Chris Price converted from the spot to give the Wolves a 3-1 lead. Ilija Prenzoski won the spot-kick after a mazy run was brought to an end by Sharks’ captain George Souris.

Late in injury-time, Sharks’ hopes were re-instated as Neil Jablonski drove home a venomous effort from close-range to give his side a glimmer of hope for the final 2’ minuets though, as the Shire-side pushed men forward, Wollongong FC added their fourth of the afternoon courtesy of substitute Samet Kaynak. Kaynak drew goalkeeper Zabaks off his line in a one-on-one situation, before slotting the ball past the Sharks’ shot-stopper.

The win for the Wolves was a fitting end to a tremendous season for the side, who send out captain Ben Blake as a winner after announcing his retirement from football.

For the Sharks, who had dominated the season with an emphatic undefeated streak, the Premiership title clinched at the end of the regular season is some consolation after a Grand Final defeat.

In the Grade-20 Grand Final, Marconi Stallions defeated Premiers Sydney Olympic 2-0 to secure another Grade-20 title. The Stallions retained the title after a flawless display against the Blues.

Striker Daniel Ott had the Stallions ahead inside the first period with an outstanding curling effort past the helpless Sydney Olympic shot-stopper.

The Blues could only respond with timid efforts in the second-half and conceded defeat late in the half when Brodie Mooy struck the Stallions’ second of the afternoon to secure the win.

In the Under 11 Metropolitan Representative League, St George Association defeated Ku-Ring-Gai Association 2-1 while Eastern Suburbs Association defeated Manly Warringah Association 2-0.

-By Joseph Carlucci