Adelaide: The
force, as they are known, are one of the most successful club teams. They
have participated in every National Soccer League season since the competition
commenced.
The
breakaway and suspension proved to be a blessing in disguise. Australia
built up its strength, and by the 1970's, when the ban had long been lifted,
was strong enough to win a place in the World Cup finals for the first
time. This paved the way for the first ever national competition in 1977.
The
National Soccor League (NSL) comprises 16 teams, from all over Australia.
There have been many players of ilk that now play for oversea's teams,
Mark Bosnich (formerly Sydney United), Mark Viduka (formerly Melbourne
Knights), Ned Zelic (formerly Sydney Olympic & Sydney United),
Paul Okon (formerly Marconi), Kevin Muscat (formerly South Melbourne) and
Stan Lazaridis (formerly West Adelaide).
National League Champions of the 90's.
2000/2001 Wollongong Wolves
1999/2000 Wollongong Wolves
1998/1999 South Melbourne
1997/1998 South Melbourne
1996/1997 Brisbane Strikers
1995/1996 Melbourne Knights
1994/1995 Melbourne Knights
1993/1994 Adelaide City
1992/1993 Marconi Fairfield
1991/1992 Adelaide City
1990/1991 South Melbourne
1989/1990 Sydney Olympic
THE TEAMS
Adelaide: The
force, as they are known, are one of the most successful club teams. They
have participated in every National Soccer League season since the competition
commenced.
Brisbane Strikers: They are in their 10th season, they were accepted
into the league for the 1991/92 season. They won a National Championship
in 1997, winning 2-0.
Kingz: This team created history with their inclusion
into the National Soccer League, to become the first team from one country
to participate in other countries National competition.
Marconi:
One of the three National Soccer League foundation Clubs. They have finished
runners-up three times and have participated in a record 13 finals series.
Melbourne Knights: Join in 1994. In six seasons, they have
participated in five grand finals, winning two and losing three.
Newcastle United: Joined for the 2000/01 season
Northern Spirit: Entered in the competition start of the 1998/99
season with the aim to become Australia's first fully professional club.
Parra Power: Backed by the Parramatta Leagues Club,
they are one of the newest members into the league.
Perth Glory: Joined to play at the start of the 1996/97 season.
They get record crowds not seen in Australian Soccer for many years, in
Perth the game of soccer could be serious rival to AFL. They were runners
up in the 1999/2000 season.
South Melbourne: Are one of the three clubs that have participated
in every national season, South Melbourne with 2 other teams hold the record
for the most number of National Championships, four.
Sydney Olympic: Have missed only one season in the NSL, 1980.
Best period for them was in the 1980's, when they made four Grand Finals
and won two NSL Cups from four.
Sydney United: Came into the National Soccer League in 1984,
National Championship has eluded them.
Wollongong: Joined the NSL in 1981, have made it through to the finals
five times, winning in the 1999/2000 season.
Pride: Went for a new name and look for the 2000/2001 season, they
where known as the Gippsland Falcons. They are based in the Victorian town
of Morwell.
Links
