Azzurri bowed out in a penalty shoot-out elimination semi-final loss to Maitland last Saturday at Lisle Carr Oval after it was 1-1 in regular and extra time.

It ended a great comeback from Charlestown, who lost their first three games under Law but rallied to finish fourth and make finals for the first time since 2014.

"Before the first penalty was taken, I made peace with myself that no matter what, I was really happy with my boys," Law said. "They gave me everything all year and I know I'm a demanding coach. I'm so proud of them, they are a pleasure to coach and they've all re-signed.

"In terms of the plan I had for the club, I feel like we are probably a year ahead of where we might have been."

** Kev Davison's outrageous but successful Panenka penalty for Charlestown did not shock his teammates.

"We practised penalties three times last week and he put the same penalty in the net at training," Law said.

** Maitland coach Mick Bolch said keeper Matt Trott confidently wanted the winning penalty shot despite a poor showing at training.

Trott buried his chance to give Maitland a 5-3 win and set up a minor semi-final with Olympic on Sunday.

"Trotty always backs himself and if they are doing that at training, he puts it top corner 90 per cent of the time, but Friday he missed his first five," Bolch said.

"I said to him 'You're not taking one if we have them tomorrow'. He took another seven, hit three in a row top corner and said 'that's my spot, that'll do me'."