But fuelled by a tight-knit support network Domenici is giving his A-League dream one last shot and has the chance to propel himself team into the national spotlight on Saturday.

With the A-League aspirations in mind, Domenici joined NPL powerhouse Canberra Olympic where the 25-year-old striker has dominated this season as the league-leading goal scorer and now faces Tuggeranong United for a spot in the FFA Cup final 32.

The AIS graduate spent time with national underage teams, before Domenici left Australia to join Italian Serie B club Vicenza Calcio.

It proved a frustrating time for the then 19-year-old who spent seven months trying to fulfil complicated citizenship requirements before eventually returning home without playing a single game.

The talisman then trialled with the Western Sydney Wanderers and Sydney FC, but when he wasn't signed a disheartened Domenici returned home to the NPL Capital Football.

After four seasons dominating the Canberra competition, Domenici says it is now or never and believes his stronger mentality will prove the difference this time around.

"I've always lacked a bit of confidence but I've grown as a person and player, my mentality is a lot stronger now by learning from my mistakes and I can go in this time without the 'am I not good enough' mindset," Domenici said.

"It's been tough, especially with the lows of not really getting anywhere with trials, but everyone goes through that so I'm not using it as an excuse, I just think I'm ready to step up.

"I watch the A-League and think I could hold my own out there, just give me one game, I want to prove that I've got what it takes and the only way I can do that is if I get a chance.

"I want to give everything I've got to having one last crack. If I get there and I'm not good enough then at least I won't have any regrets, I just want to find out."

Canberra Olympic striker Stephen Domenici looking to trial with an A-League Club. Photo: Dion Georgopoulos

Olympic coach Frank Cachia believes Domenici is an A-League calibre player and said his toughest challenge will be overcoming the stigma attached to his age.

"With trying out for the A-League you get a 25-year-old overseas player and they think okay we'll have a look, but if it's local player people think they had their opportunity and missed it," Cachia said.

"I think Stephen could definitely add value to a couple of A-League squads and I'd love to see him tested against those guys in the future with an Olympic shirt on."

That opportunity will likely arrive if Olympic beat Tuggeranong and Domenici agreed a strong showing against A-League opposition could be all the exposure he needs.

"Just that idea of putting yourself out there against the best like Olympic did last year, it shows there are teams and players out there who can compete at that level - they just need the exposure," Domenici said

"Winning in the FFA Cup is big step towards that, it's pretty much the biggest tournament in Canberra now because everyone wants to show their worth on that stage."

Domenici is hoping to secure a mature-aged rookie contract which allows A-League clubs to sign one player each season outside the salary cap.