Finals football is here in the NPL Queensland Men’s as the state’s top four clubs battle for a spot in next Saturday’s Grand Final at Perry Park.
Premiers Peninsula Power meet defending Champions Lions FC on Friday night, while Olympic FC take on Brisbane Roar on Sunday evening.
The Roar, who before this season had never finished higher than sixth, are entering their first Finals Series since entering the competition nine years ago.
Although they will field the youngest side in the Finals Series, the Roar are expected to have up-and-coming A-Leagues stars such as Cyrus Dehmie at their disposal.
The Roar kids will come up against a determined Olympic FC side that has lost the last three NPL Grand Finals.
The last time these two sides met, in September, Roar goal-machine Dehmie bagged a double as the Roar won 2-0.
But Olympic have plenty of striker power of their own, with former Roar forward Shannon Brady hitting a purple patch at just the right time.
Brady has scored six goals in his last six outings, including an important double last weekend against Brisbane Strikers to secure Olympic’s spot in the top four.
Meanwhile, Power are searching for their first Championship win since joining the NPL Men’s competition in 2019.
Power have won back-to-back Premierships and have qualified for three consecutive Finals Series but are yet to win a Semi Final.
Last year they were bundled out by eventual Champions Lions FC, going down 4-1 on home turf.
The last time these two sides met, in August, Lions won 3-1 at AJ Kelly Park with goals to Alexander Fiechtner, Finn Beakhurst and Ethan Docherty.
It sets up a perfect occasion for the Power to exact their revenge as they look to wrap up the 2021 double.
Fans can watch all First Grade NPL finals LIVE on NPL.TV, free for Australian residents.
Peninsula Power v Lions FC
Friday 29 October, 7:45pm
AJ Kelly Park, Kippa Ring
Brisbane Roar v Olympic FC
Sunday 31 October, 6:00pm
Goodwin Park, Yeronga
