PS4 NPL Finals Series Grand Final preview

There’s just two sleeps until Brisbane Strikers take on Heidelberg United FC in the PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues 2017 Grand Final. With the seventh and final match in this year’s competition fast approaching, we preview Saturday’s Perry Park showpiece.

PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues 2017 Grand Final

Brisbane Strikers v Heidelberg United FC

6pm Saturday 30September 2017 at Perry Park, Brisbane


FORM GUIDE

Brisbane Strikers – Defeated Edgeworth 2-0 (A), Defeated South Hobart FC 4-2 (A), Lost to Moreton Bay 1-3 (H)

Heidelberg United FC – Defeated APIA Leichardt 2-1 (H), Defeated Bayswater 3-1 aet (A), Lost to Adelaide United 0-3 (H)

BEST PS4 NPL FINALS SERIES RESULT

Brisbane Strikers – Grand Finalists (2017)

Heidelberg United FC – Grand Finalists (2017)

Incredibly, after five years of the PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues Finals Series, Queensland and Victorian sides reach the Grand Final for the first time.

In their very first year in the PS4 NPL Finals, Heidelberg United FC have taken no time to make their presence felt, reaching the Grand Final at their first attempt, while Brisbane Strikers in their second straight year of Finals experience get their first shot at the title.

For the second straight season the Strikers proved too strong in the Sunshine State, as they won the Premiership. However, for the second year they also were unable to claim the Premiership-Championship double as they lost in the Semi-Finals to Moreton Bay.

Heidelberg claimed their first PS4 NPL Premiership in Victoria, after finishing second last season, edging out former National Soccer League giants South Melbourne FC, and Avondale FC.

Heidelberg are into the Australian NPL Final after their win over APIA Leichhardt on Saturday.

To reach the Grand Final, the Strikers faced two tough away trips and came through them with flying colours as they defeated South Hobart FC 4-2 in Tasmania, and Edgeworth Eagles FC 2-0 in the Hunter Valley.

Meanwhile, the Bergers faced a tough trip to Western Australia which they came out of with a 3-1 win after extra-time, before defeating PS4 NPL NSW Premiers APIA Leichhardt Tigers.

Scotsman Greg Henslee will be a key man at the back for Brisbane. His leadership has been a big reason why the Strikers conceded less than a goal per game on average throughout the PS4 NPL Queensland season.

Henslee’s importance was evident in their match against South Hobart, when he was brought off with Brisbane leading 3-0 and the Strikers conceded two goals in his absence as South Hobart almost sent the match into extra-time.

Football Federation Australia (FFA) has reschedule today’s PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues 2017 Semi Final match between Edgeworth Eagles FC and Brisbane Strikers.

For the Victorians Kenny Athiu up front is the man who stands out. Athiu has found the back of the net more than 30 times across all competitions this season, and has scored some huge goals for Heidelberg.

Athiu clinically slotted the winner against Perth Glory in the Westfield FFA Cup, and also scored twice in the PS4 NPL 2017 Elimination Final in their 3-1 victory.

Saturday’s battle between Henslee and Athiu is one not to be missed.

With PS4 NPL NSW sides winning three of the last four titles, and PS4 NPL South Australia the other, a new Champion awaits in 2017, as does a spot in the 2018 Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32. 

Key: Can the Bergers take the heat? The Strikers were outstanding in hot weather in Newcastle last weekend, so will Heidelberg quickly adapt to the Queensland weather, where sticky conditions are expected on Saturday?