The National Premier Leagues is the second tier of football in Australia. We profile all the clubs that have qualified for the inaugural national play-off series.
Club Olympic FC
Founded: 1967
Colours: Red and White
Home Ground: Goodwin Park, Yeronga
Recent Honours: 2003 Division 1 Grand Finalist, 2004 Division 1 Grand Finalist, 2006 Division Grand Finalist, 2008 Silver Boot Winners, 2013 Silver Boot Finalist, 2013 Premiers.
Coach: Jim Bellas
Key players: Tim Smits (26 goals), Daniel Byrne (Captain and 19 goals)
Olympic FC were nothing short of dominant throughout the 2013 Queensland National Premier League season after claiming the league title in style to book their ticket to the inaugural NPL finals series.
Olympic won 18 of 22 matches scoring a staggering 90 goals along the way to end the regular season with an eight point lead over runners up Brisbane City. Such was their dominance that the clubs two top scorers, Tim Smits and captain Daniel Byrne, combined to score more goals (45) than half the clubs in the competition.
Jim Bellas-s side will take on NSW representatives Sydney United 58 FC after they downed Canberra FC in the elimination final at the weekend. The winner of this match will take on either Tasmanian Premiers South Hobart or South Australian Champions Campbelltown City who will go head to head this Sunday at South Hobart Ground with a midday kick-off scheduled.
“We are very excited about the NPL Finals,” said Bellas. “We won the premiership and we always want to win everything that we compete in.
“We know it will be a difficult task but hopefully we will be able to show everyone just how far football in Queensland has come.”
Olympic has every right to be confident after scoring on average over four goals a game throughout the season.
“We had much of our team from last year return and then we were able to strengthen a number of key positions.
“Matt Mundy and Tim Smits have both played for the Roar and Jake Mclean came to us from their youth side, each of them adding a lot to our side.
“Danny (Byrne) has been a club man for 7 or 8 years and he is our captain and adds so much to our side.
“When you increase your depth you have players fighting for positions and ultimately are increasing the level they play at.
With five sides competing in the inaugural NPL finals series Olympic FC enjoyed a first round bye. Instead they prepared for their clash with Sydney United with just about the hardest opponent they could find – Brisbane Roar.
Unfortunately for Olympic they were humbled 11-1 by the Roar boys and must now regroup if they’re to be a force in the NPL finals series. Although the clash was only a friendly, Bellas is looking forward to the prospect of again meeting A-League opposition in a meaningful fixture in future.
“A nation wide cup competition will certainly make football in Australia better across the board.
“Every club below the A-League would need to lift the bar to compete and players who were aiming to get recognised would rise to the occasion.
“It would definitely be difficult to beat a team like the Roar but hopefully the competition could help develop the league directly below it and ultimately lift its standards.”
NPL Finals Series Semi Final
Saturday 5th October 2013
Olympic FC v Sydney United 58 FC
QSAC Stadium 6.00pm kick off
