PS4 NPL 2016 Finals Series - the clubs

Ahead of this weekend's four Elimination Finals, get the lowdown on the eight clubs who will line up in the fourth edition of the PlayStation 4 NPL Finals Series.

Perth SC (Football West)

Established: 1987
Website: www.perthsc.com.au
Twitter: @PerthSoccerClub
Home venue: Dorrien Gardens
Head Coach: Ramon Falzon
Current squad members with Hyundai A-League experience: Adrian Madaschi (Newcastle Jets)

Key Players

6.Clark Keltie
An influential figure at Perth SC since joining from English club Darlington in 2013. Although regularly employed as a holding midfielder, Keltie’s versatility was emphasised during WA’s Top Four Cup competition when he played as a striker, scoring a crucial goal.

4.Adrian Madaschi
Provides the experience and steadying influence at the back. A key member of Australia’s Joeys team at the 1999 FIFA U17 World Cup, the central defender has racked up years of experience in Italy, Scotland, Korea and in the A-League.

9.Gustavo Catarcione
Completes an experienced Perth SC spine, his eye for goal providing the cutting edge ahead of Keltie’s midfield muscle and Madaschi’s defensive nous. The Brazilian front man scored 19 goals in Perth’s league season and will be a major piece of their artillery in the PS4 NPL 2016 Finals Series.

History

Dates back to 1948 and the formation of Azzurri. In 1987, Perth Italia Soccer Club was formed after a merger between Perth Azzurri, arch-rival East Fremantle Tricolore and Balcatta Etna. The intention of the merger was to create a club capable of obtaining Perth's first NSL licence. East Fremantle and Balcatta have since de-merged. The club is the most successful club in Western Australia. Since 1948, the club has won 20 league titles, 11 cup and 19 Night Series titles. Several Socceroos have been produced and/or played for the club, including Gary Marocchi, Robbie Dunn, Sean Murphy, Chris Coyne, Richard Garcia, Adrian Madaschi, Mark Birighitti and Nikita Rukavytsya.

They were semi-finalists in the 1968 Australia Cup, losing to eventual winners Sydney Hakoah. During that tournament, they beat West Adelaide Hellas, South Melbourne Hellas and Melbourne Juventus in the earlier rounds.

Honours (visit http://perthsc.com.au/the-club/club-history/awards/)

Season Record (excluding finals)

Played 22; 13 wins, 4 draws, 5 losses, 39 goals for, 23 goals against, 16 goal difference, 43 points

Key results

Round 20 – defeated Cockburn City 3-2
Gustavo Catarcione turned on the style but Perth SC were forced to do it tough against a team that had found points hard to come by. After Catarcione opened the scoring, Perth found themselves 2-1 down at the break and in danger of falling adrift of leaders Inglewood United. But Harley Orr equalised 11 minutes into the second half before Catarcione scored a late winner to catapult Perth SC to the top of the table.

Round 22 – defeated Sorrento 1-0
Perth SC’s crowning moment came on the very last day of the league season. Just a week after handing control of the championship to Inglewood United with a 2-0 defeat to the leaders, Perth weathered a serious Sorrento storm before snatching a deflected winner at Percy Doyle Reserve. Inglewood’s defeat to ECU Joondalup gave coach Ramon Falzon his first piece of Perth silverware just three months into his tenure.

 

Devonport Strikers (Football Federation Tasmania)

Established: 1966
Website: www.devonportstrikers.com.au
Twitter: @DevStrikers
Home venue: Valley Road, Devonport
Head Coach: Peter Savill
Current squad members with Hyundai A-League experience: -

Key players

5.Joe Zupo
Whilst his compatriot in goals might have stolen the headlines this year, centre back Joe Zupo has been equally important in maintaining their stellar defensive record. A towering figure in the middle of the strikers defence, Zupo’s intelligent reading of the play and ability to dominate in the air make him incredibly hard to get past.

10.Joel Stone
Brings the flair and creativity to an otherwise workmanlike side. So often the man to beat a defender and unlock defences with a nice piece of skill, Stone is the main creative outlet of the side. Capable either as a number 10 or out on the wing, Stone’s dribbling skills make him a difficult proposition for defences.

9.Brayden Mann
The Strikers captain and most dangerous marksman in Tasmania, Mann is a goal threat any time he is given space near the area. Mann won his fourth consecutive Golden Boot to take his league tally to 110 goals in 83 games over the past four seasons.  He is more than a goal scorer though as he never stops running and working for his side.

17.Daniel Syson
A shoulder injury to Niko Giantsopoulos opens up the second Visa spot to Englishmen Daniel Syson to play. Has been a revelation in midfield this year for Devonport, sitting in front of the back four as the most effective defensive midfielder in the league. Tough in the challenge and disciplined in his role, Syson excels at breaking up the play and marking opponents out of the game.

History

Devonport City was formed in 1966 as an amalgamation of Devonport and Devonport Rovers.

Honours

PS4 NPL Tasmania Champions 2016
Milan Lakoseljac Cup Winners 1977, 2002, 2016
State Champions 1994, 1998, 2003, 2004
Northern Premiers 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008 (four times as Devonport Rovers 1985, 1987, 1988, 1989 and twice as Devonport 1974, 1977)

Season Record (excluding finals)

Played 21; 19 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss, 61 goals for, 10 goals against, 51 goal difference, 58 points

Key results

Round 2 – defeated Olympia Warriors 2-1
Travelling down to take on the defending champions, Devonport showcased the tactics that would define their season with a wonderful defensive display and clinical counter attacking goals to help them make an early statement of intent.

Round 5 – defeated South Hobart 1-0
Early title favourites South Hobart were four from four and had scored 32 goals in the first month of the season before they ran into the yellow wall of Devonport. The Strikers sat back deep and defended superbly, frustrating them before Brayden Mann scored a late winner on his return to his home ground of the past two years.

Round 11 – defeated Hobart JEEP Zebras 2-1
On the road against the only side to have beaten them in 2016, when they went down 1-0 it seemed they could be bumped from top spot before a second half Brayden Mann brace secured the comeback victory.

Round 18 – defeated Hobart JEEP Zebras 1-0
The gap between the two top sides stood at just two points as they prepared to meet in a title deciding showdown in Round 18. In a great goalkeeping duel it was Niko Giantsopoulos who made some massive stops to preserve the clean sheet and all but seal the title.

 

Bentleigh Greens (Football Federation Victoria)

Established: 1986
Website: www.bentleighgreens.com.au
Twitter: @BentleighGreens
Home venue: Kingston Heath Soccer Complex (301 Centre Dandenong Road, Cheltenham)
Head Coach: John Anastasiadis
Current squad members with Hyundai A-League experience: Ross Archibald (Melbourne City FC), Josh Brindell-South (Wellington Phoenix), Luke Pilkington (Melbourne Victory)

Key Players

5.Jack Webster
The Englishman has become part of the furniture at Kingston Heath, amassing over 150 appearances for the club since joining from Sunshine George Cross in 2010. The former Scunthorpe youth player is the club’s vice-captain and has been a vital element of the club’s rise from relegation battlers to PS4 NPL Victoria contenders.

24.Luke Pilkington
Known for his exploits in the popular television show Football Superstar, the Canberra native won the reality series earning himself at contract at Melbourne Victory where he made one appearance for the A-League outfit before joining Bentleigh in 2012. Has made over 120 appearances for the club, and his versatility has been key for the side playing in a number of positions including left-back, centre back and defensive midfield.

19.Kieran Dover
Arguably Bentleigh's most dangerous player, the 19-year-old winger signed in July from Melbourne Victory and has been a standout performer. His exploits on the wing have added another element to Bentleigh's attack, who have been quick to re-sign the former Sunderland academy player till the end of 2018.

History (taken from the official Bentleigh Greens website)

In 1986 a small group of former members of Cypriot Community’s Soccer Club, Central City, met determined to create a strong Greek Cypriot based team in Melbourne. The “Founders” at this initial meeting made a huge fundraising effort and gathered together 150 foundation members who were able to take over Greensborough and move it to Victory Park in the City of Moorabbin. The name of the club was changed to Bentleigh Greens. The club competed in the First Division of the Provisional League in 1987 season. The club has achieved five promotions in nine seasons. Promoted to the Victorian Premier League and competed at that level for the first time in 1996. Reached the semi finals of the inaugural Westfield FFA Cup where they were eventually beaten by Perth Glory.

Honours:

PS4 NPL Victoria Premiers 2016
Hellenic Cup Winners 1991, 1996, 1997, 2002, 2003, 2010
VPL Grand Final Runner Up 2013
Qualified for Premier League finals 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2012, 2013

Season Record (excluding finals)

Played 26; 18 wins, 5 draws, 3 losses, 61 goals for, 22 goals against, 39 goal difference, 59 points

Key results

Round 2 – defeated Richmond 6-1
After a less than impressive performance in Round 1, Bentleigh bounced back in emphatic fashion scoring a lazy six against NPL newcomers Richmond in an early statement of intent to its rivals. 

Round 18 – defeated Oakleigh Cannons 3-2 
The reverse fixture at home early in the year was Bentleigh's first defeat of the season, as neighbours Oakleigh became the only team to win at Kingston Heath against Bentleigh in 2016. But the Greens bounced back away from home thanks to a late winner from captain Wayne Wallace. 

Round 20 – defeated South Melbourne 3-1
Only a few weeks earlier the teams played for a spot in the FFA Cup R32, and Bentleigh came out victorious 4-0 at a packed Kingston Heath Reserve. This time the tie wasn't as easy but the Greens accounted for their arch rivals to pinch top spot and stay there for the remainder of the campaign.

 

Edgeworth Eagles (Northern NSW Football)

Established: 1892
Website: www.foxsportspulse.com/club_info.cgi?c=1-8304-113387-0-0
Twitter: @EdgeworthFC
Home venue:  Jack McLaughlan Oval (Park St, Edgeworth)
Head Coach: Damian Zane
Current squad members with Hyundai A-League experience: Daniel McBreen (Central Coast Mariners, North Queensland Fury)

Key players

17.Keigo Moriyasu
One of the most skillful players in the PlayStation 4 NPL Northern NSW competition who has terrorised many a defence in 2016. His individual goal against Broadmeadow in Round 13 stands as one of the most impressive of the season where he slalomed around several defenders. His free kick isn’t bad either, as he showed on numerous occasions throughout the season. Finished as the Eagles leading scorer with 18 goals across the season.

8.Josh Evans
The captain who is Edgeworth’s rock at the back. Brilliant over the last two seasons for the Eagles, and played a significant role in Edgeworth conceding just 19 goals in the regular season – the second best in the competition. Great in the air and just as good with his feet. Played in the old NSL with Brisbane Strikers in 2003/04.

2.Daniel McBreen
Former Hyundai A-League Golden Boot at the Central Coast Mariners, McBreen has shown his class in bucket loads this season. Only scored eight of the Eagles’ 49 goals during the regular season, but in the big matches he has stepped up in a big way, evidenced by his brace in the Grand Final victory over Broadmeadow Magic.

History

Originally called Young Wallsend until around 50 years ago, the club has had a number of previous English imports including Jimmy McBreen (father of Daniel). After dropping to the second division in the early 1980s due to financial difficulties, the club gained promotion back in 1989 and has been in the top division ever since.

Honours

NPL Premiers 1978, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2007, 2009, 2015, 2016
NPL Grand Final Winners 1978, 2003, 2010, 2015, 2016

Season Record (excluding finals)

Played 18; 15 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses, 52 goals for, 19 goals against, 33 goal difference, 46 points

Key results

Round 12 – defeated Jets Youth 4-2
Edgeworth had a one-point lead in the premiership race over Hamilton Olympic going into Round 12, and found themselves in trouble down 2-1 against the Jets Youth going into the final 15 minutes. A brilliant goal from Aden Gardner levelled things up before some Moriyasu magic ensured the Eagles would win 4-2. Meanwhile, Olympic were held to a draw at home as Edgeworth increased their lead to three points.

Round 15 – defeated Valentine Phoenix 4-2
Over a period of 12 days the Eagles had four fixtures to get through including their Westfield FFA Cup trip to Cairns. The third match of four was against the Phoenix on a cold and wet Thursday night. With a match in hand over first placed Hamilton, a win would put them two points clear at the top. It seemed an easy win on paper against the then sixth-placed Phoenix, but it was far from that. After an early Edgeworth goal Valentine levelled up after 13 minutes, and just as the Eagles seemed to have the three points in the bag, the Phoenix brought it back to 3-2 with just over half an hour to play. A late goal from Dylan Holz ensured Edgeworth would regain top spot on the ladder.

 

Brisbane Strikers (Football Queensland)

Established: 1994
Website: www.brisbanestrikers.com.au
Twitter: @BneStrikers
Home venue: Perry Park (Abbotsford Road, Albion)
Head Coach: Kevin A’Herne-Evans
Current squad members with Hyundai A-League experience: -

Key players

5.Greig Henslee
Recently recognised as Strikers Player of the Year and Supporter’s Player of the Year, Henslee is the rock at the heart of the side’s miserly defence. Originally from Scotland, the menacing centre-half is strong in the tackle and powerful in the air – evidenced by his presence as an attacking threat from set-pieces. Boasts plenty of experience at local level – winning second and third tier titles aplenty, and with his career closer to the end than the beginning, will want a national title to complete his collection of silverware.

8.Michael Angus
The skipper and box-to-box midfield general whose devotion to the nitty-gritty doesn’t see him get the headlines many of his cohorts do. However, without him the machine doesn’t run – his passing vision is the catalyst to many attacking raids, while he also disrupts the opposition counter with his back-tracking in defence.

18.Trent Clulow
An attacking midfielder with the perfect blend of bravado and unselfishness. Can score from distance or off the angled run into the box, but also knows when it’s best to slip a pass to a team mate or simply be the decoy man. His wiry frame belies a tenacity and work ethic that links the central third with the attacking third. It’s rare that a Strikers goal doesn’t include a telling touch from the number 18.

History

The Brisbane Strikers commenced their existence in 1991 as Brisbane United in Australia’s then premier club competition, the National Soccer League (NSL).  By 1994 the club had changed its name to Brisbane Strikers and adopted the yellow and blue playing strip - the official colours of Brisbane - that it still wears as its home strip today.

Initially the Brisbane Strikers were owned by the Queensland Soccer Federation, which handed the running of the club to a Trust Management Group. Coached by Bruce Stowell for three seasons, the Strikers steadily improved their position in the NSL pecking order, finishing fourth in 1995/96 to qualify for their first NSL final appearance, in which they lost a semi-final playoff over two legs to Sydney United. But revenge was just around the corner in the most extraordinary of circumstances. 

In the 1996/97 season the Strikers were led by player-coach Frank Farina and finished second on the NSL ladder to Sydney United before going on to beat United in their semi-final to set up a home grand final – which would be against the same team. At a time when football was struggling for mainstream acceptance and credibility in Australia (NSL grand finals generally drew crowds of between 12,000 and 25,000), the 1997 Grand Final at Lang Park in Brisbane drew a capacity of 40,446 to watch the Strikers beast Sydney United 2-0 thanks to goals from Farina and Rod Brown. Qualification to the Westfield FFA Cup in 2014 marked a return to national competition for the Strikers after they were a force during the days of the NSL.

Honours

PS4 NPL Queensland Premiers 2016
NSL Grand Final Winners 1997 
Brisbane Premier League Premiers and Canale Travel Cup Winners 2006 
Queensland State League Premiers 2009 
Queensland State League Premiers 2012

Season Record (excluding finals)

Played 22; 14 wins, 5 draws, 3 losses, 51 goals for, 19 goals against, 32 goal difference, 47 points

Key results

Round 4 – defeated Moreton Bay United 3-1
Strikers travelled to the home ground of the reigning champions after the club’s worst start to any PlayStation 4 NPL season to date - two points from nine. The win restored the squad’s belief in itself as Strikers inflicted Jets’ first defeat at home for over a year.

Round 13 – defeated Redlands United 1-0
Played as a “catch-up” fixture at a stage of the season when Strikers were four points behind league leaders FNQ Heat, the away win reversed the opening round result against genuine title contenders and established a buffer between them while lifting Strikers to within touching distance of the league leaders to set the stage for a title chase.

Round 20 – defeated FNQ Heat 2-1
Three rounds out from the end of the season, with Heat leading the league table by one point from Strikers with daylight to third-placed Gold Coast City, this was a virtual title decider. Heat took the lead early in the second half but an assist and then a spectacular goal over the concluding stages from substitute Jonti Richter, who was soon to retire, earned Strikers a win in dramatic circumstances and broke the back of Heat’s premiership challenge.

 

Canberra Olympic (Capital Football)

Established: 1956
Website: www.canberraolympic.com.au
Twitter: @COFC1956
Home venue: O’Connor Enclosed (Macarthur Avenue, O’Connor ACT 2602)
Head Coach: Frank Cachia
Current squad members with Hyundai A-League experience: -

Key players

9.Phillipe Bernabo-Madrid
The Colombian born-striker has been in impressive form this season and has been the man to come up with key goals at key times. Two standouts include his winner against Surfers Paradise Apollo in the FFA Cup and the last-gasp equaliser to stave off a semi-final loss against Tigers FC in the NPL. Pacy and with a deft touch, Bernabo-Madrid just can’t be ignored.

10.Robbie Cattanach
The engine of the side, Cattanach is a tireless midfielder with a rocket shot and a great footballing brain. As proficient as a number 10 as he is in a deep-lying role, the bustling central man took home the Valeri Medal in last year’s NPL Grand Final win as Best on Ground.

1.Angelo Konstantinou
Canberra Olympic’s on-field heart and soul, Konstantinou is a respected leader as well as shot-stopper and penalty-taking goalkeeper. Away with the Futsalroos, Konstantinou stands to miss Olympic’s campaign, or parts of it, but will undoubtedly be behind the team from wherever he is.

History: (taken from the official Canberra Olympic media guide)

Canberra Olympic Football Club was formed in 1956 and is thus celebrating its sixtieth anniversary in 2016, so a place in the Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32 appears to be an ideal anniversary gift to its many, and loyal, supporters. The name Olympic was decided upon by a meeting of potential players and committee members in 1955, a prelude to the clubs formation a year later. The attendees selected Olympic ahead of AEK. The club has enjoyed fairly consistent success down the years numbering five League Championships, five Grand Final victories and five Federation Cup wins to its name, the latest triumph being the victory over Tigers FC that qualified the club for the national stage. Until the Grand Final success of 2013, repeated last tern, there had been a genuine trophy drought for a club of this size and magnitude and so a return to winning ways was welcomed throughout the institution. The first grade team’s largest win was, ironically, achieved against Cooma, the previous name of Tigers FC, whom they hammered 25-0 in a Division 2 game played on 23rd May 1971.

Honours:

PS4 NPL Capital Football Premiers 2016
Federation Cup Winners 1979, 1983, 1997, 1999, 2015
Capital Football League Champions 1975, 1980, 1993, 1994, 2006, 2016
Grand Final Winners 1993, 1994, 1997, 2013, 2015

Season Record (excluding finals)

Played 16; 11 wins, 3 draws, 2 losses, 53 goals for, 27 goals against, 26 goal difference, 36 points

Key results

Round 18 v Monaro Panthers
Playing at the same time as Tigers’ final match, Olympic knew they could not afford to slip up if they wanted top spot as they chased the difference in for/against. An incredible goalkeeping display from Nathan Alfrink threatened to derail Olympic’s chances before a clinical second half saw Frank Cachia’s men close the gap with a 4-0 win.

Catch up Round v FFA COE
Thanks to Tigers slipping up against Tuggeranong in their final clash, Olympic needed only to draw to take top spot. They couldn’t afford to relax however against a Centre of Excellence side that had grown throughout the season and thumped fellow Top Four side Belconnen the week before. But a smart, no-frills display saw Olympic cruise home and take the crown and their spot in the Finals Series.

 

Sydney United 58 FC (Football NSW)

Established: 1957
Website: www.sydneyunited58fc.com
Twitter: @SydUtd58FC
Home venue: Sydney United Sports Centre (223-227 Edensor Road, Edensor Park)
Head Coach: Mark Rudan
Current squad members with Hyundai A-League experience: Peter Triantis, Panagiotis Nikas, Robbie Mileski, Eddy Bosnar, Tomislav Uskok, Chris Payne, Glen Trifiro

Key players

21.Thomas Manos
What he lacks in years, Thomas Manos makes up for in talent. The 20-year-old shot stopper has been the standout gloveman in the competition and has been a big part of Sydney United 58’s incredible season, delivering a highlight reel of incredible saves.

20.Tomislav Uskok
His mid-season addition to an already dominant Sydney United 58 defence was a scary prospect for opposition strikers. Uskok hit the ground running and has been one of the competition’s best central defenders. At 196cm, he also provides an aerial threat in attack, particularly from dead ball situations.

23.Panni Nikas
The mercurial attacking midfielder is the fulcrum that drives all of Sydney United 58’s attacks. Whether it is creating goals with silky dribbling skills or pin point passing, Nikas can produce moments of brilliance.

6.Chris Payne
The veteran striker has had a prolific season in front of goal putting his impressive finishing skills to full effect. Payne’s ability to find space in the penalty area will surely create more than a handful of chances in the Finals Series.

History:

Sydney Croatia Sports Club emerged in 1957 and began competing as a soccer team one year later. Like most other sports clubs which emerged at that time, Croatia were formed primarily as a social and community club pertaining to one ethnic group. Such clubs catered for the waves of migrants who had chosen to make Australia their new home after travelling from their beloved homelands in Europe. But the Croatia soccer team soon became an institute in itself.

Honours:

PS4 NPL NSW Premiers 2013, 2016
PS4 National Premier Leagues Champions of Australia 2013
NSL Premiers 1986 (Northern Division), 1996/97, 1998/99
NSL Grand Final Runner-Up 1988, 1996/97, 1998/99
NSL Cup Winners 1987
National Youth League Champions 1991/92, 1994/95
National Youth League (Northern Division) Champions 1991/92, 1993/94, 1994/95, 1996/97
NSW State League Champions 1977, 1982, 1983, 2006
NSW State League Premiers 1977, 1978, 1979, 1981, 1982, 2009
NSW Division 1 Champions 1962
NSW Division 2 Champions 1960
NSW Waratah Cup Winners 1995, 1996, 2005, 2014, 2015, 2016
Ampol Cup Winners 1986, 1987
Rothmans Cup Winners 1974

Season Record (excluding finals)

Played 22; 15 wins, 5 draws, 2 losses, 54 goals for, 23 goals against, 31 goal difference, 50 points

Key results

Round 2 – defeated Wollongong Wolves 2-1
Sydney United 58 FC’s first win of many for the 2016 season saw goals from Panni Nikas and Peter Triantis prove the difference as Mark Rudan’s side were pushed all the way by a competitive Wolves outfit.

Round 12 – defeated Blacktown City FC 1-0
Yutaro Shin was the hero for Sydney United 58 FC as they grabbed a valuable win against Blacktown City at the Sydney United Sports Centre. Six yellow cards were shown in a typically hard fought encounter as Sydney United 58 FC held on.

Round 20 – defeated Bonnyrigg White Eagles 4-1
It was all smiles at Valentine Sports Park for Sydney United 58 as they secured the PlayStation 4 NPL NSW 2016 Premiership with a one sided 4-1 victory over the Bonnyrigg White Eagles. A Chris Payne brace and goals to Panni Nikas and Glenn Trifiro helped them get over their local rivals in a one sided affair.

 

Adelaide City (Football Federation South Australia)

Established: 1946
Website: www.adelaidecityfc.com.au
Twitter: @AdelaideCityFC
Home venue: Adelaide City Park (Cnr Fosters Road and Hilltop Drive, Oakden)
Head Coach: Damian Mori
Current squad members with Hyundai A-League experience:

Key players

9.Anthony Costa
The NPLSA’s Golden Boot winner having netted 19 goals in 21 League matches prior to the Finals Series beginning. A constant menace for defences all season long.

7.Joel Allwright
City’s attacking midfielder is the key link between their rock solid back four and their aforementioned leading goalscorers. The ex-Adelaide United Youth player has enjoyed a standout season.

History

Since its formation in 1946 Adelaide City Football Club has had a proud history of success. The club was formed by an expatriate group of Italian migrants and took the name of the most glorious Italian Football Club, Juventus. The club’s initial attempt to don the famous black and white stripes of Juventus were thwarted when the local Football Federation ruled that there could only be one black and white team per league and the black and white of Port Adelaide took precedence. So it was that the newly formed Juventus wore a navy blue strip with a white “J” before finally being permitted to wear black and white stripes from 1949.

It was only a short 7 year wait for the club to enjoy its first real success when the first of many League Championships arrived in 1953. This was followed by an additional 5 titles before the end of the 1950’s including an unprecedented 4 in-a-row between 1956 and 1959. In 1977 Adelaide City became a foundation member of Australia’s first truly national sporting club competition, the National Soccer League (NSL). Whilst the club remained a front runner and developed a reputation for playing an attractive brand of football it was not until 1986 that the first of 3 NSL titles arrived. The first NSL success arrived under steely faced coach Zoran Matic whose tactical nous would lead Adelaide City to further NSL Championship successes in 1992 and 1994. The club also holds the record for most consecutive finals appearances. That record stands at 11 years having being achieved between 1990 and 2001.

With the collapse of the NSL imminent, Adelaide City withdrew from the NSL in 2004 and focused on the rebuilding of the club and its home base at Oakden in South Australia. In 2004 Australian football legend Damian Mori returned to the club and was appointed player-coach. After a season of consolidation in 2004, normal service was resumed in 2005 with the winning of the S.A. Premier League Championship. Adelaide City celebrated its 60 year anniversary in 2006 in splendid style by winning all 3 domestic competitions. It won the 2006 pre-season Errea Cup, the 2006 Knock-out Federation Cup and the 2006 BEST Super League completing the season undefeated.

Honours:

PS4 NPL South Australia Premiers 2016
NSL champions 1986, 1992, 1994
NSL Cup champions 1979, 1989, 1992
Oceania Football Confederation Club champions 1987
SA State League titles: 17
SA Federation Cup wins: 17

Season Record (excluding finals)

Played 26; 14 wins, 9 draws, 3 losses, 52 goals for, 26 goals against, 26 goal difference, 51 points

Key results

Round 13 v West Adelaide (A)
City’s big derby against West Adelaide always draws a big crowd and this 2-1 win came via a last gasp goal in the 95th minute from Nikola Mileusnic. The match was a catalyst for a 12-match unbeaten run which lasted until the final game of the season.

Round 21 v South Adelaide (H)
City required the three points to win the minor Premiership with a game still remaining at home to lowly South Adelaide. They were set on their way by a cracking strike off the right boot of left-back Alex Sunasky before Golden Boot winner Anthony Costa secured the three points and Premiers pennant for the Oakden side.