A powerhouse of the football scene in the nation’s capital, Canberra FC is looking to make their mark on the Australian NPL Finals Series in 2018.
Here’s all you need to know about the Capital Football NPL Premiers from the ACT.
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How they qualified
Canberra FC booked their spot against the other Premiers from around Australia by dominating the Capital Football NPL season.
They lost just two of their 16 league matches (winning 12), to finish five points clear of second-placed Canberra Olympic.
They built their success on a miserly defence, conceding only 13 times all season, while banging in 46 at the other end at an average of almost three per game.
Star player: Thomas James
What a season classy striker Thomas James has had.
James – who has struck up a brilliant partnership with ex-Hyundai A-League star Kofi Danning – has scored a remarkable 19 goals for the campaign.
That phenomenal haul includes hat-tricks against Tigers FC and Riverina Rhinos, while he scored a second-half double to guide the club to a Grand Final win over the weekend.
No wonder he’s being mentioned as a possibility to earn a Hyundai A-League contract down the track.
Coach: Paul Macor
Paul Macor has done a superb job guiding one of the most decorated clubs in the ACT.
As well as guiding the side to the Premiership, Canberra FC also took out the Federation Cup, which earned the club a spot in the FFA Cup 2018 Round of 32.
And they completed the ACT treble on the weekend with a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Canberra Olympic in the Capital Football Grand Final.
Home ground: Deakin Stadium
One of the premier venues in the ACT, Deakin Stadium underwent a major reconstruction between 2005 and 2008.
After it’s re-opening a decade ago, the capacity has risen to 1,500 although almost 3000 crammed in for the 2016 Capital Football Grand Final.
The venue also plays host to many of the region’s games in the FFA Cup.
Who they’re up against
Canberra FC has been handed a home tie for their foray into the Australian NPL Finals Series, taking on South Australian outfit Campbelltown City.
The match will be played at Deakin Stadium, kicking off at 5pm (AEST).
