It was a heart-breaking result for the men, having finished second in pool B of the NSW Waratah League with 11 wins and only four losses in making the finals for the first time in four years.

But coach Gary Ball said his men would only go to greater heights in the future, and could not have been happier with the way his men competed against a metropolitan side.

"We would had to have finished first in our pool to get a second chance, but we found ourselves in a knock-out situation," he said.

"Sutherland had some very good outside shooting, and we counter-punched really well and gave it our all, but just couldn't come away with the goods."

"But we've got a good bunch of guys who are really keen to continue, and they've got some unfinished business to attend to now."

The Yowies put together a team this season that Ball thought could have gone all the way to win the competition.

Local star Jono Lazaro piled on the points, and was one of the competition's most prolific goal scorers.

The likes of Illawarra import Talor Goodall, Matthew Ball, Josh Rowcliffe, Robbie Ball, Sam Burton, Adam Jackson and Aaron Gorman formed the core group, and are all set to stay on board to lead the Yowies in the future.

Canberra Gunners SEABL skipper Jono Miller has also touted retirement from his position there, and could line up for the Yowies next season.

"The boys are all highly motivated, and it's an absolute pleasure to be given the opportunity to coach them," said Ball.

"Miller would certainly be an asset to the team, and I look forward to talking with him."

Meanwhile the women's Yowies side are still alive after toppling three-year champions Coffs Harbour in the final round.

They will begin their finals campaign this weekend after finishing second overall on their ladder.