Runaway winners of the premiership in Queensland, Lions FC will now take on the best of Australia’s NPL clubs in the Finals Series this weekend.
Lions FC were crowned champions yesterday after defeating Olympic FC 2-1 in the grand final.
They have already caught the eye in the FFA Cup 2018, where they reached the Round of 16, but will aim to go all the way in this competition.
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READ MORE: Learn about NPL Northern NSW outfit Edgeworth Eagles
Here’s all you need to know about the NPL Queensland champions.
How they qualified
Lions FC booked their spot in the NPL Finals Series after romping to the premiership in the NPL Queensland.
They finished seven points clear of second-placed Olympic FC, winning 23 of their 26 games in the regular season and losing just three.
Incredibly, they scored 84 goals in the campaign and conceded just 11, both of which were league bests.
Star player: Marek Madle
The Czech Republic-born striker only joined Lions mid-season but played a key role in their title success.
In just 14 appearances in the league, Madle scored 18 goals, including a run of scoring in nine successive NPL outings.
And he appears to be hitting his best form right now, scoring nine goals in just five matches in August – including a hat-trick against Redlands United.
An accomplished finisher, Madle has pace, power and a great ability to bring those around him into the game.
Coach: Warren Moon
A skillful midfielder in his playing days, Moon played in the inaugural season of the Hyundai A-League with Queensland Roar.
Just 36, Moon is a relative rookie in coaching terms but has done a superb job since taking charge of Lions FC for the start of the 2015 season.
The English-born coach likes his side to play free-flowing, attacking football, which we've seen from Lions not only in the NPL but also in their run to the FFA Cup Round of 16.
Home ground: Lions FC Stadium
Located in the Richlands area, Lions Stadium is an impressive venue, with one of the best playing surfaces in the NPL Queensland.
There is a huge club/establishment also on the premises, with the ground also hosting the NPL grand final over the weekend.
Who they’re up against
Lions have been handed a home draw for the opening clash, hosting Northern NSW outfit Edgeworth Eagles on Saturday, September 15.
The Elimination Finals clash kicks off at 7.30pm AEST.
