Special Sub-Topic: National Soccer League History Click Here To Play: National Soccer League History

When was the National Soccer League (NSL) established?

1977. Established after the success of the Australian team that made it to the 1974 World Cup in Germany, Australia took its first small steps towards a national competition in 1977.

Who was the winner of the first NSL competition in 1977?

Sydney City. Sydney City were the winners of the first NSL competition in 1977, beating the Marconi Stallions.

Which team won the first two NSL Cups in 1977 and 1978?

Brisbane City. Like most leagues around the world, the NSL had two seperate competitions running together, a league and a cup.

Which was the first team to three-peat in NSL?

Sydney City. Sydney City were the first to win three titles in a row, 1980, 1981, and 1982.

For the 3 seasons 1984-1985-1986, the NSL was split into two conferences, and the winner from each played in a grand final. Which of the following teams did not make it to a grand final in the three years?

Sydney United. Sydney United were Premiers of the Northern Conference in 1984, but failed to make the grand final. South Melbourne defeated the Olympic Sharks in 1984, Brunswick defeated Sydney City in 1985, and Adelaide City defeated the Olympic Sharks in 1986.

Which was the first season of the new NSL summer time format?

1989-90. Tired of trying to compete with rugby league (dominat in NSW and Queensland) and AFL (dominant in Victoria and South Australia), the NSL changed their format to a fan-friendly summer format, with most games played in the early evening.

Many clubs have come and gone in the NSL over time. How many clubs total played in the NSL from its inception, through to its demise?

40. At one stage or another, 40 clubs participated in the NSL (not all at once though!) The NSL's last season was 2003-04. The stalwarts of the league were South Melbourne, Marconi, and Adelaide City, who participated in every season, while the Olympic Sharks missed only one season. Then there are clubs like Canterbury/Marrickville, Collingwood Warriors, Illwarra Lions, and Mooroolbank, who have barely one season played. Carlton were unfortunate enough to disappear mid- season.

Which of the following teams did not represent Brisbane?

Brisbane Bears. The Brisbane Bears were the AFL side before their amalgamation with the Fitzroy Lions (to form the Brisbane Lions. Brisbane City were the first side to represent the city in the NSL, followed at one stage by the Lions, and the Strikers were the final side, and won the title in 1996-97.

Which of the following teams did NOT play in four grand finals between 1988 and 2004?

Sydney United. Sydney United made three of those grand finals, and lost all three, 1988, 1996-97 and 1998-99. Despite only being admitted to the NSL in 1996-97, Perth Glory also reached four grand finals, losing in 1999-00 and 2001-02, before winning back-to-back titles in 2002-03 and 2003-04.

The 1974 World Cup is still regarded as Australian soccer's finest moment. Who were the Socceroos not drawn against in their group?

England. After an exhaustive road to the World Cup, Australia were drawn into a tough group and the Australian team was amateurish compared to the might of the European and South American teams. East Germany defeated the Socceroos 2-0, West Germany 3-0 but the Australians salvaged a solitary point in their final game, drawing with Chile 0-0.