As Adelaide United travel to Queensland to take on Lions FC in the Round of 16 of the FFA Cup 2018, here is a brief overview of our opponents.
Queensland Lions Football Club, simply known as Lions FC, was founded in 1957 by Dutch immigrants and initially called Hollandia.
The club is situated in the south west suburbs of Brisbane and competed in the National Soccer League (NSL) from 1977 until 1988 as the Brisbane Lions, as a result of clubs having to abandon ethnic names.
They claimed the NSL Cup in 1982 and during the 1983/84 season former Manchester United and Northern Ireland icon, George Best, made four appearances for the team based in Richlands.
From 1989 to 2004, Lions FC participated in the local Brisbane Premier League and enjoyed immense success, crowned premiers six times as well as champions on six occasions and did the double in five of those years. The side also again changed its name from Brisbane Lions to Queensland Lions after an agreement was reached with AFL club, Brisbane Lions.
In 2004, the club withdrew from the local competition to focus its efforts in establishing Queensland Roar (now Brisbane Roar) for the inaugural Hyundai A-League season.
Lions FC returned to the local leagues three years later once ensuing structural ownership alterations were implemented at Brisbane Roar.
After a couple of seasons in the Brisbane second division, the club was accepted into the maiden Brisbane Premier League – the highest tier in the Brisbane region – after the introduction of new competition format changes in 2013.
Lions FC clinched the minor premiership in 2013, 2015 and 2016 as well as lifting the championship in 2016. Incidentally, it was the club’s first double since 2004.
Lions FC have also made one appearance in the FFA Cup prior to this year.
In 2015, the club reached the Round of 16 of the after beating local South Australian outfit Croydon Kings in Adelaide 2-1, and took Perth Glory to extra-time before losing 1-0.
Ahead of the current 2018 season, the club earned promotion to the state-wide National Premier League Queensland – the highest division in Queensland – after winning the grand final over Peninsula Power.
In this season’s FFA Cup, Lions defeated fellow Queensland team Olympic FC 3-2 in thrilling fashion.
Queensland Lions also clinched the NPL Queensland title this year, finishing seven points clear at the top of the table.
Adelaide United face Lions FC in the Round of 16 of the FFA Cup 2018 on Wednesday, 29 August at Perry Park. Kick-off is at 7.00 PM ACST.
