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{{for|the first-tier of Jamaican football|National Premier League}}
{{for2|the Australian women's football equivalent|National Premier Leagues Women's|the first-tier of Jamaican football|National Premier League}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}}
{{Use Australian English|date=August 2019}}
{{Use Australian English|date=August 2019}}
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| confed = [[Asian Football Confederation|AFC]]
| confed = [[Asian Football Confederation|AFC]]
| first = [[2013 National Premier Leagues|2013]]
| first = [[2013 National Premier Leagues|2013]]
| levels = [[Australian football league system|2]] (3 from 2024)
| levels = [[Australian football league system|2]] (3 from 2025)
| divisions = [[National Premier Leagues Capital Football|ACT]]<br />[[National Premier Leagues NSW|NSW]]<br />[[National Premier Leagues Northern NSW|Northern NSW]]<br />[[National Premier Leagues Queensland|Queensland]]<br />[[National Premier Leagues South Australia|South Australia]]<br />[[National Premier Leagues Tasmania|Tasmania]]<br />[[National Premier Leagues Victoria|Victoria]]<br />[[National Premier Leagues Western Australia|Western Australia]]
| divisions = [[National Premier Leagues Capital Football|ACT]]<br />[[National Premier Leagues NSW|NSW]]<br />[[National Premier Leagues Northern NSW|Northern NSW]]<br />[[National Premier Leagues Queensland|Queensland]]<br />[[National Premier Leagues South Australia|South Australia]]<br />[[National Premier Leagues Tasmania|Tasmania]]<br />[[National Premier Leagues Victoria|Victoria]]<br />[[National Premier Leagues Western Australia|Western Australia]]
| teams = 94 clubs (from 8 divisions)
| teams = 94 clubs (from 8 divisions)
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| tv =
| tv =
| website = [http://www.nationalpremierleagues.com.au/ nationalpremierleagues.com.au]
| website = [http://www.nationalpremierleagues.com.au/ nationalpremierleagues.com.au]
| current = [[2023 National Premier Leagues]]
| current = [[2024 National Premier Leagues]]
}}
}}


The '''National Premier Leagues''' ('''NPL''') is a men's national [[association football]] competition in [[Australia]] which acts as the second tier of the sport in the country below the [[A-League]]. The NPL consists of the highest level state league in each state-based federation within Australia. In total the NPL is contested by clubs from eight divisions; these are [[National Premier Leagues ACT|ACT]], [[National Premier Leagues NSW|NSW]], [[National Premier Leagues Northern NSW|Northern NSW]], [[National Premier Leagues Queensland|Queensland]], [[National Premier Leagues South Australia|South Australia]], [[National Premier Leagues Tasmania|Tasmania]], [[National Premier Leagues Victoria|Victoria]] and [[National Premier Leagues Western Australia|Western Australia]]. The NPL is overseen by [[Football Australia]], in partnership with participating state-based member federations.
The '''National Premier Leagues''' ('''NPL''') is a men's national [[association football]] competition in [[Australia]] which acts as the second tier of the sport in the country below the [[A-League]]. The NPL consists of the highest level state league in each state-based federation within Australia. In total the NPL is contested by clubs from eight divisions; these are [[National Premier Leagues ACT|ACT]], [[National Premier Leagues NSW|NSW]], [[National Premier Leagues Northern NSW|Northern NSW]], [[National Premier Leagues Queensland|Queensland]], [[National Premier Leagues South Australia|South Australia]], [[National Premier Leagues Tasmania|Tasmania]], [[National Premier Leagues Victoria|Victoria]] and [[National Premier Leagues Western Australia|Western Australia]]. The NPL is overseen by [[Football Australia]], in partnership with participating state-based member federations.

Up to the 2019 season, one representative from each regional participated in the NPL Championship, a knock-out competition to determine a national champion.

From the 2025 season, the NPL Premiers from each Member Federation will be invited to play in the new 16-team [[National Second Division]] (currently referred to as a National Second Tier), to be played between October and December 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |title='Landmark moment': FA firm up key details as National Second Tier set to begin in 2025|url=https://www.theroar.com.au/2024/10/31/fa-firm-up-key-details-as-national-second-tier-set-to-begin-in-2025/|website=www.theroar.com.au|date=31 October 2024|access-date=2 November 2024}}</ref><ref name="nst-official">{{Cite web |title=Football Australia unveils new format and start date for National Second Tier competition|url=https://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news/football-australia-unveils-new-format-and-start-date-national-second-tier-competition|website=www.footballaustralia.com.au|date=31 October 2024|access-date=1 November 2024}}</ref>


== History ==
== History ==
In October 2010, [[Football Federation Australia]] (FFA) commenced a National Competition Review, its main objective being to review the current structure of soccer competitions in Australia, and to monitor and improve elite player development.<ref>{{cite web|title=Analysis: Review gives FFA clear signal of how they must spread the love|url=http://sportsbusinessinsider.com.au/features/analysis-review-gives-ffa-clear-signal-of-how-they-must-spread-the-love/|first=Anthony|last=Siokos|work=Sport Business Insider|publisher=Sports Business Insider Group|date=28 May 2012|access-date=4 May 2013}}</ref> By May 2012 the results of the National Competition Review were released. In it, a proposal to re-brand and revitalise state-based competitions in Australia.<ref name="ffa-ncr">{{cite web | url=http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/ffa-releases-outcomes-of-national-competitions-review/47422 | title=FFA releases outcomes of National Competitions Review | publisher=Football Federation Australia | access-date=13 February 2013}}</ref>
In October 2010, [[Football Federation Australia]] (FFA) commenced a National Competition Review, its main objective being to review the current structure of soccer competitions in Australia, and to monitor and improve elite player development.<ref>{{cite web|title=Analysis: Review gives FFA clear signal of how they must spread the love|url=http://sportsbusinessinsider.com.au/features/analysis-review-gives-ffa-clear-signal-of-how-they-must-spread-the-love/|first=Anthony|last=Siokos|work=Sport Business Insider|publisher=Sports Business Insider Group|date=28 May 2012|access-date=4 May 2013|archive-date=29 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180729081421/http://sportsbusinessinsider.com.au/features/analysis-review-gives-ffa-clear-signal-of-how-they-must-spread-the-love/|url-status=dead}}</ref> By May 2012 the results of the National Competition Review were released. In it, a proposal to re-brand and revitalise state-based competitions in Australia.<ref name="ffa-ncr">{{cite web | url=http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/ffa-releases-outcomes-of-national-competitions-review/47422 | title=FFA releases outcomes of National Competitions Review | publisher=Football Federation Australia | access-date=13 February 2013 | archive-date=24 December 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224171818/http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/ffa-releases-outcomes-of-national-competitions-review/47422 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

On 13 February 2013, the establishment of the National Premier Leagues was announced. As a direct outcome of the National Competition Review, the league would rebrand the premier league in each state under a single banner.<ref name="ffa-launch">{{cite web | url=http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/ffa-launches-national-premier-leagues/60728 | title=FFA launches National Premier Leagues | publisher=Football Federation Australia | date=13 February 2013 | access-date=23 December 2013 | archive-date=24 December 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224171758/http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/ffa-launches-national-premier-leagues/60728 | url-status=live }}</ref> Originally named Australian Premier League but due to a violation of naming rights held by [[Bowls Australia|Lawn Bowls Australia]] the original name was scrapped and replaced with National Premier Leagues.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/1296664/wolves-could-move-into-a-league-under-new-changes/?cs=12 | title=Wolves could move into A-League under new changes | work=Illawarra Mercury | date=12 February 2013 | access-date=13 February 2013 | archive-date=24 December 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224112829/http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/1296664/wolves-could-move-into-a-league-under-new-changes/?cs=12 | url-status=live }}</ref>

The inaugural season of the NPL began in March 2013. It included teams from five of the nine state-based federations:<ref name="ffa-launch" />

* [[Capital Football|Australian Capital Territory]]
* [[Football NSW|New South Wales]]
* [[Football Queensland|Queensland]]
* [[Football South Australia|South Australia]]
* [[Football Tasmania|Tasmania]]


The other four of the nine state-based federations joined the NPL in 2014:
On 13 February 2013, the establishment of the National Premier Leagues was announced. As a direct outcome of the National Competition Review, the league would rebrand the premier league in each state under a single banner.<ref name="ffa-launch">{{cite web | url=http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/ffa-launches-national-premier-leagues/60728 | title=FFA launches National Premier Leagues | publisher=Football Federation Australia | date=13 February 2013 | access-date=23 December 2013}}</ref> Originally named Australian Premier League but due to a violation of naming rights held by [[Bowls Australia|Lawn Bowls Australia]] the original name was scrapped and replaced with National Premier Leagues.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/1296664/wolves-could-move-into-a-league-under-new-changes/?cs=12 | title=Wolves could move into A-League under new changes | work=Illawarra Mercury | date=12 February 2013 | access-date=13 February 2013}}</ref>


* [[Northern New South Wales Football|Northern New South Wales]]
The inaugural season of the NPL began in March 2013. It included teams from five of the nine state-based federations: [[Football Queensland]], [[Football NSW]], [[Football Federation South Australia]], [[Football Federation Tasmania]], and [[Capital Football]].<ref name="ffa-launch" /> The FFA member federations that did not join the NPL in 2013, [[Football West]], [[Northern New South Wales Football]] and [[Football Federation Victoria]] joined in the 2014 season, with [[Football Federation Northern Territory]] expected to adopt a partial model at some time in the future.<ref name="australian-gallop-fa-cup">{{cite news | url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/football/gallop-aims-for-aussie-fa-cup/story-fn63e0vj-1226577434849 | title=Gallop aims for Aussie FA Cup | work=The Australian | date=14 February 2013 | agency=AAP | access-date=23 December 2013}}</ref><ref name="442-seconddivision">{{cite news | url=http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/252498,second-division-by-2022.aspx | title=Second Division 'By 2022'? | work=Australian FourFourTwo | date=3 October 2012 | agency=Sportal Australia | access-date=23 December 2013}}</ref> Although Victoria initially announced their teams would enter in 2014, a deferral was later announced in November 2013, after several clubs objected to the process for selecting teams. However, by December 2013, a resolution was reached whereby Victorian teams participated in the 2014 season.<ref name="ffv-npldeferral">{{cite web | url=http://www.footballfedvic.com.au/index.php?id=17&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=1673&cHash=042767977a47f7504167fc404a5c7126 | title=NPL update – message from FFV Board | publisher=Football Federation Victoria | date=8 November 2013 | access-date=4 December 2013}}</ref><ref name="footballaustralia-victoriaconfirmed">{{cite web | url=http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/national-premier-leagues-confirmed-for-victoria-in-2014/80057 | title=National Premier Leagues confirmed for Victoria in 2014 | publisher=Football Federation Australia | date=6 December 2013 | access-date=23 December 2013 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224171748/http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/national-premier-leagues-confirmed-for-victoria-in-2014/80057 | archive-date=24 December 2013 }}</ref>
* [[Football Northern Territory|Northern Territory]]
* [[Football Victoria|Victoria]]
* [[Football West|Western Australia]]


Those federations who joined in the 2014 season, were expected to adopt a partial model at some time in the future.<ref name="australian-gallop-fa-cup">{{cite news | url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/football/gallop-aims-for-aussie-fa-cup/story-fn63e0vj-1226577434849 | title=Gallop aims for Aussie FA Cup | work=The Australian | date=14 February 2013 | agency=AAP | access-date=23 December 2013 | archive-date=17 May 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517144653/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/football/gallop-aims-for-aussie-fa-cup/story-fn63e0vj-1226577434849 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="442-seconddivision">{{cite news | url=http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/252498,second-division-by-2022.aspx | title=Second Division 'By 2022'? | work=Australian FourFourTwo | date=3 October 2012 | agency=Sportal Australia | access-date=23 December 2013 | archive-date=24 December 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224102710/http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/252498,second-division-by-2022.aspx | url-status=dead }}</ref> Although Victoria initially announced their teams would enter in 2014, a deferral was later announced in November 2013, after several clubs objected to the process for selecting teams. However, by December 2013, a resolution was reached whereby Victorian teams participated in the 2014 season.<ref name="ffv-npldeferral">{{cite web | url=http://www.footballfedvic.com.au/index.php?id=17&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=1673&cHash=042767977a47f7504167fc404a5c7126 | title=NPL update – message from FFV Board | publisher=Football Federation Victoria | date=8 November 2013 | access-date=4 December 2013 | archive-date=24 December 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224111924/http://www.footballfedvic.com.au/index.php?id=17&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=1673&cHash=042767977a47f7504167fc404a5c7126 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="footballaustralia-victoriaconfirmed">{{cite web | url=http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/national-premier-leagues-confirmed-for-victoria-in-2014/80057 | title=National Premier Leagues confirmed for Victoria in 2014 | publisher=Football Federation Australia | date=6 December 2013 | access-date=23 December 2013 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224171748/http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/national-premier-leagues-confirmed-for-victoria-in-2014/80057 | archive-date=24 December 2013 }}</ref>
FFA announced their intentions of a promotion and relegation structure between the first tier [[A-League]] and second tier working title [[Australian Championship]] from late 2022.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.sportingpulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?client=1-9385-0-0-0&sID=269940&&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=22266694 | title=Australian Premier League Announced | publisher=sportingpulse.com | access-date=23 February 2013}}</ref>


FFA announced their intentions of a promotion and relegation structure between the first tier [[A-League]] and second tier working title [[Australian Championship]] from late 2022 but move to 2025.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.sportingpulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?client=1-9385-0-0-0&sID=269940&&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=22266694 | title=Australian Premier League Announced | publisher=sportingpulse.com | access-date=23 February 2013 | archive-date=24 March 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324081105/https://websites.mygameday.app/assoc_page.cgi?client=1-9385-0-0-0&sID=269940&&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=22266694 | url-status=live }}</ref>
The finals series for the 2020 competition was cancelled on 3 July 2020 due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Australia]].<ref name="Cancel2020">{{cite web|url=https://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/coronavirus-forces-ffa-cup-to-be-cancelled|title=Coronavirus forces FFA Cup to be cancelled|publisher=[[Special Broadcasting Service|SBS]]|work=[[The World Game]]|date=7 July 2020|access-date=7 July 2020}}</ref>


The finals series for the 2020 competition was cancelled on 3 July 2020 due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Australia]],<ref name="Cancel2020">{{cite web|url=https://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/coronavirus-forces-ffa-cup-to-be-cancelled|title=Coronavirus forces FFA Cup to be cancelled|publisher=[[Special Broadcasting Service|SBS]]|work=[[The World Game]]|date=7 July 2020|access-date=7 July 2020|archive-date=30 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030231026/https://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/coronavirus-forces-ffa-cup-to-be-cancelled|url-status=live}}</ref> and has not been held since.
[[National Second Division]] start from 2024 became second tier of soccer league in Australia and demote to third tier after announced on January 2023.


== Competition format ==
== Competition format ==
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|places=
|places=
<!-- ACT -->
<!-- ACT -->
{{location map~ |Australia |lat=-35.21 |long=149.08 |mark=Purple 8000ff pog.svg}}<!-- Belconnen United -->
{{location map~ |Australia |lat=-35.21 |long=149.08 |mark=Purple 8000ff pog.svg}}<!-- Yoogali SC -->
{{location map~ |Australia |lat=-34.29 |long=146.04 |mark=Purple 8000ff pog.svg}}<!-- Belconnen United -->
{{location map~ |Australia |lat=-34.29 |long=146.04 |mark=Purple 8000ff pog.svg}}<!-- Belconnen United -->
<!-- NSW -->
<!-- NSW -->
{{location map~ |Australia |lat=-33.88 |long=151.15 |mark=Yellow ffff00 pog.svg}}<!-- APIA Leichhardt Tigers -->
{{location map~ |Australia |lat=-33.88 |long=151.15 |mark=Yellow ffff00 pog.svg}}<!-- APIA Leichhardt Tigers -->
{{location map~ |Australia |lat=-33.76 |long=150.94 |mark=Yellow ffff00 pog.svg}}<!-- Blacktown City -->
{{location map~ |Australia |lat=-33.76 |long=150.94 |mark=Yellow ffff00 pog.svg}}<!-- Blacktown City -->
{{location map~ |Australia |lat=-34.42 |long=150.90 |mark=Yellow ffff00 pog.svg}}<!-- South Coast Wolves -->
{{location map~ |Australia |lat=-34.42 |long=150.90 |mark=Yellow ffff00 pog.svg}}<!-- Wollongong Wolves -->
<!-- Northern NSW -->
<!-- Northern NSW -->
{{location map~ |Australia |lat=-32.93 |long=151.72 |mark=Brown 804000 pog.svg}}<!-- Adamstown Rosebud -->
{{location map~ |Australia |lat=-32.93 |long=151.72 |mark=Brown 804000 pog.svg}}<!-- Adamstown Rosebud -->
{{location map~ |Australia |lat=-32.55 |long=151.43 |mark=Brown 804000 pog.svg}}<!-- Broadmeadow Magic -->
<!-- Queensland -->
<!-- Queensland -->
{{location map~ |Australia |lat=-27.43 |long=153.01 |mark=Green 00ff00 pog.svg}}<!-- Brisbane City -->
{{location map~ |Australia |lat=-27.43 |long=153.01 |mark=Green 00ff00 pog.svg}}<!-- Brisbane City -->
{{location map~ |Australia |lat=-16.93 |long=145.76 |mark=Green 00ff00 pog.svg}}<!-- Cairns FC -->
{{location map~ |Australia |lat=-28.05 |long=153.24 |mark=Green 00ff00 pog.svg}}<!-- Gold Coast Knights -->
{{location map~ |Australia |lat=-19.25 |long=146.81 |mark=Green 00ff00 pog.svg}}<!-- Northern Fury -->
{{location map~ |Australia |lat=-28.01 |long=153.24 |mark=Green 00ff00 pog.svg}}<!-- Gold Coast United FC -->
{{location map~ |Australia |lat=-27.55 |long=151.96 |mark=Green 00ff00 pog.svg}}<!-- South West Queensland Thunder -->
{{location map~ |Australia |lat=-26.73 |long=153.12 |mark=Green 00ff00 pog.svg}}<!-- Sunshine Coast -->
{{location map~ |Australia |lat=-26.73 |long=153.12 |mark=Green 00ff00 pog.svg}}<!-- Sunshine Coast -->
<!-- South Australia -->
<!-- South Australia -->
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The NPL competitions in each state and territory are run by the member federation, with a national playoff tournament at the end of each season.<ref name="ffa-launch" /> Each member federation, or 'conference' contains various numbers of teams, and they play a full season with no inter-conference matches (an identical format to the individual State Leagues that preceded the NPL). The winner of each division is determined by the club in first position of each conference table at the end of the regular season, rather than the winner of the various state-based finals series.
The NPL competitions in each state and territory are run by the member federation, with a national playoff tournament at the end of each season.<ref name="ffa-launch" /> Each member federation, or 'conference' contains various numbers of teams, and they play a full season with no inter-conference matches (an identical format to the individual State Leagues that preceded the NPL). The winner of each division is determined by the club in first position of each conference table at the end of the regular season, rather than the winner of the various state-based finals series.


=== NPL Finals Series ===
=== Former NPL finals series ===
Up to the 2019 season, the winners of each respective Federation league (the regular home and away season) competed in a finals playoff tournament. These were all single match knock out matches. Between 2013 and 2015 the match ups were based on predetermined geographically adjacent Federations, with hosting rights for the quarter-finals alternating each year. From 2016 to 2019 the match ups were determined by an open draw.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalpremierleagues.com.au/article/matchups-for-2016-finals-series-take-shape/1n9trno9apabm1io4gm1yh6rfz|title=Matchups for 2016 Finals Series take shape|date=18 July 2016|access-date=2016-07-21|archive-date=17 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817030028/http://www.nationalpremierleagues.com.au/article/matchups-for-2016-finals-series-take-shape/1n9trno9apabm1io4gm1yh6rfz|url-status=live}}</ref> The hosts for the semi-finals and Grand Final were determined by a formula based on the time of winning of the previous NPL Finals matches (normal time, extra time or penalties), goals scored and allowed, and yellow/red cards.
At the completion of the regular home and away season, the winners of each respective Federation league compete in a finals playoff tournament.


The finals series culminated in a Grand Final, where the winner was crowned National Premier Leagues Champions.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/263661,ffa-unveils-national-premier-leagues.aspx | title=FFA unveils National Premier Leagues | work=Australian FourFourTwo | access-date=13 February 2013 | archive-date=24 December 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224111750/http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/263661,ffa-unveils-national-premier-leagues.aspx | url-status=dead }}</ref> From 2014 to 2019, the NPL Champion also qualified for the following years' [[FFA Cup]] round of 32.
The finals are all single match knock out matches. Between 2013–2015 the match ups were based on predetermined geographically adjacent Federations, with hosting rights for the quarter-finals alternating each year. From 2016 the match ups are determined by an open draw.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalpremierleagues.com.au/article/matchups-for-2016-finals-series-take-shape/1n9trno9apabm1io4gm1yh6rfz|title=Matchups for 2016 Finals Series take shape|date=18 July 2016 |access-date=2016-07-21}}</ref> The hosts for the semi-finals and Grand Final are determined by a formula based on the time of winning of the previous NPL Finals matches (normal time, extra time or penalties), goals scored and allowed, and yellow/red cards.

The finals series culminates in a Grand Final, where the winner is crowned National Premier Leagues Champions.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/263661,ffa-unveils-national-premier-leagues.aspx | title=FFA unveils National Premier Leagues | work=Australian FourFourTwo | access-date=13 February 2013}}</ref> Since the 2014 season, the NPL Champion has also qualified for the following years' [[FFA Cup]] round of 32.


=== Promotion and relegation ===
=== Promotion and relegation ===
Depending on the State Federation in charge, teams may be relegated from the NPL to a third-tier league in the same state (and vice versa), but there is currently no mechanism for a team to be promoted to the first tier of Australian Football, the [[A-League]]. The number of teams promoted and relegated from third-tier leagues per state has varied over the existence of the NPL. The table below details the number of teams relegated automatically from the NPL at the end of the season and the number of NPL teams which go into a relegation playoff against a lower league team (subject to those lower league teams meeting additional eligibility criteria to be able to be promoted to the NPL).
Depending on the State Federation in charge, teams may be relegated from the NPL to a third-tier league in the same state (and vice versa), but there is currently no mechanism for a team to be promoted to the first tier of Australian soccer, the [[A-League]]. The number of teams promoted and relegated from third-tier leagues per state has varied over the existence of the NPL. The table below details the number of teams relegated automatically from the NPL at the end of the season and the number of NPL teams which go into a relegation playoff against a lower league team (subject to those lower league teams meeting additional eligibility criteria to be able to be promoted to the NPL).
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
!rowspan=2| Federation!! colspan=2|Number of clubs
!rowspan=2| Federation!! colspan=2|Number of clubs
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| NSW || 1 || 1
| NSW || 1 || 1
|-
|-
| Northern NSW|| colspan=2| none
| Northern NSW || 1 || 1
|-
|-
| Queensland|| 2 || 0
| Queensland|| 2 || 0
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|}
|}


== Current clubs (2023) ==
== Current clubs ==


Below are listed the National Premier Leagues clubs in each respective state member federation from the [[2023 National Premier Leagues|2023 season]].
Below are listed the National Premier Leagues clubs in each respective state member federation from the [[2024 National Premier Leagues|2024 season]].


In total, there are 94 clubs that compete in the top tier of the National Premier Leagues each season. Most NPL divisions involve promotion and relegation to leagues below the NPL and so participating clubs change annually.
In total, there are 94 clubs that compete in the top tier of the National Premier Leagues each season. Most NPL divisions involve promotion and relegation to leagues below the NPL and so participating clubs change annually.
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{| class="wikitable" width=230px
{| class="wikitable" width=230px
|-
|-
!Australian Capital Territory
![[National Premier Leagues Capital Football|Australian Capital Territory]]
|-
|[[Belconnen United FC]]
|-
|-
|[[Canberra Croatia FC]]
|[[Canberra Croatia FC]]
Line 127: Line 140:
|[[Canberra Olympic FC]]
|[[Canberra Olympic FC]]
|-
|-
|[[Cooma FC]]
|[[Cooma FC|Cooma Tigers FC]]
|-
|-
|[[Gungahlin United FC]]
|[[Gungahlin United FC]]
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|[[Monaro Panthers FC]]
|[[Monaro Panthers FC]]
|-
|-
|[[O'Connor Knights FC|HNK O'Connor Knights FC]]
|[[O'Connor Knights FC|HNK O'Connor Knights]]
|-
|-
|[[Tuggeranong United FC|Tuggeranong United]]
|[[Woden Weston FC|West Canberra Wanderers FC]]
|-
|[[Yoogali SC]]
|}
|}
|
|
{| class="wikitable" width=230px
{| class="wikitable" width=230px
!New South Wales
![[National Premier Leagues NSW|New South Wales]]
|-
|-
|[[APIA Leichhardt Tigers FC]]
|[[APIA Leichhardt Tigers FC]]
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|-
|-
|[[Central Coast Mariners Academy]]
|[[Central Coast Mariners Academy]]
|-
|[[Hills United FC|Hills United]]
|-
|-
|[[Manly United FC]]
|[[Manly United FC]]
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|[[Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC]]
|[[Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC]]
|-
|-
|[[North West Sydney Spirit FC|North West Sydney Spirit]]
|[[Northbridge FC|Bulls FC Academy]]
|-
|[[North West Sydney Spirit FC|NWS Spirit]]
|-
|-
|[[Rockdale City Suns FC|Rockdale Ilinden FC]]
|[[Rockdale City Suns FC|Rockdale Ilinden FC]]
Line 175: Line 190:
|
|
{| class="wikitable" width=230px
{| class="wikitable" width=230px
!Northern New South Wales
![[National Premier Leagues Northern NSW|Northern New South Wales]]
|-
|-
|[[Adamstown Rosebud FC]]
|[[Adamstown Rosebud FC]]
Line 204: Line 219:
{| class="wikitable" width=230px
{| class="wikitable" width=230px
|-
|-
!Queensland
![[National Premier Leagues Queensland|Queensland]]
|-
|-
|[[Brisbane City FC]]
|[[Brisbane City FC]]
|-
|-
|[[Brisbane Roar FC Youth]]
|[[Brisbane Roar FC Youth]]
|-
|[[Eastern Suburbs FC]]
|-
|-
|[[Gold Coast Knights F.C.]]
|[[Gold Coast Knights F.C.]]
Line 222: Line 235:
|[[Rochedale Rovers FC]]
|[[Rochedale Rovers FC]]
|-
|-
|[[Moreton Bay United FC]]
|[[Moreton Bay United FC|Moreton City Excelsior]]
|-
|-
|[[Olympic FC]]
|[[Olympic FC]]
Line 229: Line 242:
|-
|-
|[[Sunshine Coast Wanderers]]
|[[Sunshine Coast Wanderers]]
|-
|[[Wynnum Wolves FC|Wynnum Wolves]]
|}
|}
|}
|}
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|
|
{| class="wikitable" width=230px
{| class="wikitable" width=230px
!South Australia
![[National Premier Leagues South Australia|South Australia]]
|-
|-
|[[Adelaide City FC]]
|[[Adelaide City FC]]
|-
|-
|[[Adelaide Comets FC]]
|[[Adelaide Comets FC]]
|-
|[[Adelaide Croatia Raiders SC]]
|-
|-
|[[Adelaide Olympic FC]]
|[[Adelaide Olympic FC]]
Line 255: Line 272:
|[[North Eastern MetroStars FC]]
|[[North Eastern MetroStars FC]]
|-
|-
|[[Sturt Lions FC]]
|[[Para Hills Knights SC]]
|-
|-
|[[South Adelaide Panthers FC]]
|[[South Adelaide Panthers FC]]
|-
|[[West Adelaide SC]]
|}
|}
|
|
{| class="wikitable" width=230px
{| class="wikitable" width=230px
![[National Premier Leagues Tasmania|Tasmania]]
!Tasmania
|-
|-
|[[Clarence Zebras FC]]
|[[Clarence Zebras FC]]
Line 283: Line 298:
|
|
{| class="wikitable" width=230px
{| class="wikitable" width=230px
![[National Premier Leagues Victoria|Victoria]]
!Victoria
|-
|-
|[[Altona Magic SC]]
|[[Altona Magic SC]]
Line 289: Line 304:
|[[Avondale FC]]
|[[Avondale FC]]
|-
|-
|[[Bentleigh Greens SC]]
|[[Dandenong City SC]]
|-
|-
|[[Dandenong Thunder SC]]
|[[Dandenong Thunder SC]]
|-
|[[Eastern Lions SC]]
|-
|-
|[[Green Gully SC]]
|[[Green Gully SC]]
Line 300: Line 313:
|-
|-
|[[Hume City FC]]
|[[Hume City FC]]
|-
|[[Manningham United Blues FC]]
|-
|-
|[[Melbourne Knights FC]]
|[[Melbourne Knights FC]]
Line 311: Line 326:
|[[South Melbourne FC]]
|[[South Melbourne FC]]
|-
|-
| [[St Albans Saints SC]]
|[[St Albans Saints SC]]
|}
|}
|
|
{| class="wikitable" width=230px
{| class="wikitable" width=230px
!Western Australia
![[National Premier Leagues Western Australia|Western Australia]]
|-
|-
|[[Armadale SC]]
|[[Armadale SC]]
Line 322: Line 337:
|-
|-
|[[Bayswater City SC]]
|[[Bayswater City SC]]
|-
|[[Cockburn City SC]]
|-
|-
|[[Floreat Athena FC]]
|[[Floreat Athena FC]]
|-
|[[Fremantle City FC]]
|-
|-
|[[Inglewood United FC]]
|[[Inglewood United FC]]
Line 336: Line 351:
|-
|-
|[[Perth RedStar FC]]
|[[Perth RedStar FC]]
|-
|[[Sorrento FC]]
|-
|-
|[[Stirling Macedonia FC]]
|[[Stirling Macedonia FC]]
|-
|[[Western Knights SC]]
|}
|}
|}
|}
Line 347: Line 362:
=== NPL Finals ===
=== NPL Finals ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! Season !! Champions !! Score !! Runners-up !! Venue !! Attendance
! Season/s !! Champions !! Score !! Runners-up !! Venue !! Attendance
|-
|-
| [[2013 National Premier Leagues|2013]] ||align=left| {{flagicon|NSW}} [[Sydney United 58 FC|Sydney United 58]] || 2–0 ||align=left| {{flagicon|TAS}} [[South Hobart FC|South Hobart]] || [[KGV Park]] || 1,150
| [[2013 National Premier Leagues|2013]] ||align=left| {{flagicon|NSW}} [[Sydney United 58 FC|Sydney United 58]] || 2–0 ||align=left| {{flagicon|TAS}} [[South Hobart FC|South Hobart]] || [[KGV Park]] || 1,150
Line 364: Line 379:
|-
|-
| [[2020 National Premier Leagues|2020]]
| [[2020 National Premier Leagues|2020]]
| colspan="5" |''Cancelled''{{efn|The 2020 Finals Series and the 2020 FFA Cup were cancelled due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Australia]]. Wollongong Wolves had already qualified for the 2020 FFA Cup prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, so were given an automatic entry into the 2021 FFA Cup.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theffacup.com.au/news/stand-alone-final-and-afc-champions-league-prize-headline-rebooted-ffa-cup-2021|title=Stand-alone Final and AFC Champions League prize to headline rebooted FFA Cup in 2021|date=1 December 2020|author=[[Football Federation Australia]]}}</ref>}}
| colspan="5" |''Cancelled''{{efn|The 2020 Finals Series and the 2020 FFA Cup were cancelled due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Australia]]. Wollongong Wolves had already qualified for the 2020 FFA Cup prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, so were given an automatic entry into the 2021 FFA Cup.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theffacup.com.au/news/stand-alone-final-and-afc-champions-league-prize-headline-rebooted-ffa-cup-2021|title=Stand-alone Final and AFC Champions League prize to headline rebooted FFA Cup in 2021|date=1 December 2020|author=[[Football Federation Australia]]|access-date=1 December 2020|archive-date=20 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210320173540/https://www.theffacup.com.au/news/stand-alone-final-and-afc-champions-league-prize-headline-rebooted-ffa-cup-2021|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
|-
|-
| 2021
| [[2021 National Premier Leagues|2021]]
| colspan="5" |''Cancelled''
| colspan="5" |''Not held''
|-
| 2022
| colspan="5" |''Not held''
|-
| 2023
| colspan="5" |''Not held''
|-
|-
| 2024
|[[2022 National Premier Leagues|2022]]
| colspan="5" |''Not held''
| colspan="5" |''Not held''
|}
|}
Line 375: Line 396:
=== Clubs reaching the finals ===
=== Clubs reaching the finals ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Team !! Champions !! Runners-up !! Semi-finalist !! Quarter-finalist !! Finals <br /> appearances
! Team !! Champions !! Runners-up !! Semi-finalist !! Quarter-finalist !! Finals appearance/s
|-
|-
|bgcolor=#FFF68F|{{flagicon|New South Wales}} [[Sydney United 58 FC|Sydney United 58]]
|bgcolor=#FFF68F|{{flagicon|New South Wales}} [[Sydney United 58 FC|Sydney United 58]]
Line 581: Line 602:
|}
|}


=== Federation Premiers (Finalists) by season ===
=== Federation Premiers by season ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! Season!! ACT !! New South Wales !! Northern<br />New South Wales !! Queensland !! South Australia !! Tasmania !! Victoria !! Western Australia
! Season!! ACT !! New South Wales !! Northern<br />New South Wales !! Queensland !! South Australia !! Tasmania !! Victoria !! Western Australia
Line 627: Line 648:
|[[2017 National Premier Leagues|2017]]
|[[2017 National Premier Leagues|2017]]
|[[Canberra Olympic FC|Canberra Olympic]]
|[[Canberra Olympic FC|Canberra Olympic]]
|[[APIA Leichhardt Tigers]]
|[[APIA Leichhardt FC|APIA Leichhardt]]
|[[Edgeworth FC]]
|[[Edgeworth FC]]
|[[Brisbane Strikers FC|Brisbane Strikers]]
|[[Brisbane Strikers FC|Brisbane Strikers]]
Line 662: Line 683:
|[[Adelaide Comets FC|Adelaide Comets]]
|[[Adelaide Comets FC|Adelaide Comets]]
|[[Devonport City FC|Devonport City]]
|[[Devonport City FC|Devonport City]]
| — {{efn|2020 for Victoria cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref name="FFAcorona1">{{cite web|url=https://www.theffacup.com.au/news/suspension-grassroots-football-activity|title=Grassroots football temporarily suspended|publisher=Football Federation Australia|date=17 March 2020|access-date=17 March 2020}}</ref>}}
| — {{efn|2020 for Victoria cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref name="FFAcorona1">{{cite web|url=https://www.theffacup.com.au/news/suspension-grassroots-football-activity|title=Grassroots football temporarily suspended|publisher=Football Federation Australia|date=17 March 2020|access-date=17 March 2020|archive-date=25 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200325001820/https://www.theffacup.com.au/news/suspension-grassroots-football-activity|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
| — {{efn|No Premier declared.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://footballwest.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/NPL-Competition-Rules-2020-COVID-Draft-4.pdf|title=Competition Rules – National Premier Leagues WA|publisher=Football West|date=11 June 2020 |access-date=14 June 2020}}</ref>}}
| — {{efn|No Premier declared.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://footballwest.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/NPL-Competition-Rules-2020-COVID-Draft-4.pdf|title=Competition Rules – National Premier Leagues WA|publisher=Football West|date=11 June 2020|access-date=14 June 2020|archive-date=14 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614105624/https://footballwest.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/NPL-Competition-Rules-2020-COVID-Draft-4.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
|-
|-
|[[2021 National Premier Leagues|2021]]
|[[2021 National Premier Leagues|2021]]
|[[Cooma FC]] {{efn|Season cancelled, but Premier declared.<ref name="actstop2021">{{cite web|url=https://capitalfootball.com.au/capital-football-winter-competition-update/|title=CAPITAL FOOTBALL WINTER COMPETITION UPDATE|publisher=[[Capital Football]]|date=7 September 2021|access-date=7 September 2021}}</ref>}}
|[[Cooma FC]] {{efn|Season cancelled, but Premier declared.<ref name="actstop2021">{{cite web|url=https://capitalfootball.com.au/capital-football-winter-competition-update/|title=CAPITAL FOOTBALL WINTER COMPETITION UPDATE|publisher=[[Capital Football]]|date=7 September 2021|access-date=7 September 2021|archive-date=7 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907054539/https://capitalfootball.com.au/capital-football-winter-competition-update/|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
| — {{efn|2021 for NSW cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref name="NSWcorona1">{{cite web|url=https://www.nationalpremierleagues.com.au/news/football-nsw-cancel-2021-national-premier-leagues-season|title=Football NSW Cancel 2021 National Premier Leagues Season|publisher=[[Football NSW]]|date=12 August 2021|access-date=12 August 2021}}</ref>}}
| — {{efn|2021 for NSW cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref name="NSWcorona1">{{cite web|url=https://www.nationalpremierleagues.com.au/news/football-nsw-cancel-2021-national-premier-leagues-season|title=Football NSW Cancel 2021 National Premier Leagues Season|publisher=[[Football NSW]]|date=12 August 2021|access-date=12 August 2021|archive-date=12 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812082104/https://www.nationalpremierleagues.com.au/news/football-nsw-cancel-2021-national-premier-leagues-season|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
|[[Lambton Jaffas FC|Lambton Jaffas]] {{efn|Season cancelled, but Premier declared.<ref name="nnswcancel2021">{{cite web|url=https://northernnswfootball.com.au/northern-nsw-football-announces-conclusion-of-2021-premier-competitions|title=Northern NSW Football announces conclusion of 2021 Premier Competitions|publisher=[[Northern NSW Football]]|date=9 September 2021|access-date=9 September 2021}}</ref>}}
|[[Lambton Jaffas FC|Lambton Jaffas]] {{efn|Season cancelled, but Premier declared.<ref name="nnswcancel2021">{{cite web|url=https://northernnswfootball.com.au/northern-nsw-football-announces-conclusion-of-2021-premier-competitions|title=Northern NSW Football announces conclusion of 2021 Premier Competitions|publisher=[[Northern NSW Football]]|date=9 September 2021|access-date=9 September 2021|archive-date=9 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210909091707/https://northernnswfootball.com.au/northern-nsw-football-announces-conclusion-of-2021-premier-competitions/|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
|[[Peninsula Power FC|Peninsula Power]]
|[[Peninsula Power FC|Peninsula Power]]
|[[Adelaide Comets FC|Adelaide Comets]]
|[[Adelaide Comets FC|Adelaide Comets]]
|{{nowrap|[[Glenorchy Knights FC|Glenorchy Knights]]}}
|{{nowrap|[[Glenorchy Knights FC|Glenorchy Knights]]}}
| [[Oakleigh Cannons FC|Oakleigh Cannons]] {{efn|2021 for Victoria initially cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref name="VICcorona1">{{cite web|url=https://www.footballvictoria.com.au/news/metropolitan-melbourne-2021-season-status|title=Metro Melbourne 2021 season status|publisher=[[Football Victoria]]|date=3 September 2021|access-date=3 September 2021}}</ref> However, as a result of a court challenge involving [[Avondale FC]] and [[Football Victoria]], it was agreed that eight rounds of games from the 2022 NPL Season would also count towards the 2021 NPL league table, enabling sufficient matches to be played to "complete" the season, and be able to declare a Premier for 2021.<ref name="Avondale">{{cite web|url=https://www.footballvictoria.com.au/news/outcome-legal-proceedings-between-avondale-fc-and-football-victoria-announced|title=Outcome of legal proceedings between Avondale FC and Football Victoria announced|publisher=[[Football Victoria]]|date=28 January 2022|access-date=4 February 2022}}</ref>}}
| [[Oakleigh Cannons FC|Oakleigh Cannons]] {{efn|2021 for Victoria initially cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref name="VICcorona1">{{cite web|url=https://www.footballvictoria.com.au/news/metropolitan-melbourne-2021-season-status|title=Metro Melbourne 2021 season status|publisher=[[Football Victoria]]|date=3 September 2021|access-date=3 September 2021|archive-date=3 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210903050025/https://www.footballvictoria.com.au/news/metropolitan-melbourne-2021-season-status|url-status=live}}</ref> However, as a result of a court challenge involving [[Avondale FC]] and [[Football Victoria]], it was agreed that eight rounds of games from the 2022 NPL Season would also count towards the 2021 NPL league table, enabling sufficient matches to be played to "complete" the season, and be able to declare a Premier for 2021.<ref name="Avondale">{{cite web|url=https://www.footballvictoria.com.au/news/outcome-legal-proceedings-between-avondale-fc-and-football-victoria-announced|title=Outcome of legal proceedings between Avondale FC and Football Victoria announced|publisher=[[Football Victoria]]|date=28 January 2022|access-date=4 February 2022|archive-date=4 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204121342/https://www.footballvictoria.com.au/news/outcome-legal-proceedings-between-avondale-fc-and-football-victoria-announced|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
|[[Perth SC]]
|[[Perth SC]]
|-
|-
Line 684: Line 705:
| [[South Melbourne FC|South Melbourne]]
| [[South Melbourne FC|South Melbourne]]
| [[Floreat Athena FC|Floreat Athena]]
| [[Floreat Athena FC|Floreat Athena]]
|-
| [[2023 National Premier Leagues|2023]]
| [[O'Connor Knights FC|O'Connor Knights]]
| [[APIA Leichhardt FC|APIA Leichhardt]]
| [[Lambton Jaffas FC|Lambton Jaffas]]
| [[Gold Coast Knights SC|Gold Coast Knights]]
| [[North Eastern MetroStars SC|North Eastern MetroStars]]
| [[Devonport City FC|Devonport City]]
| [[Avondale FC]]
| [[Perth RedStar FC|Perth RedStar]]
|-
| [[2024 National Premier Leagues|2024]]
| [[Gungahlin United FC|Gungahlin United]]
| [[Rockdale Ilinden Football Club|Rockdale Ilinden]]
| [[Broadmeadow Magic FC|Broadmeadow Magic]]
| [[Gold Coast Knights SC|Gold Coast Knights]]
| [[North Eastern MetroStars SC|North Eastern MetroStars]]
| [[Glenorchy Knights FC|Glenorchy Knights]]
| [[South Melbourne FC|South Melbourne]]
| [[Olympic Kingsway SC|Olympic Kingsway]]
|}
|}


Line 708: Line 749:


== Individual honours ==
== Individual honours ==
The [[John Kosmina Medal]] is presented to the best played in the NPL final and is named in honour of former [[Australia national association football team|Australian]] international [[John Kosmina]].<ref name="ffa-kosmina-value">{{cite web | url=http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/kosmina-opinion-display/the-npl-demonstrates-its-true-value/77303 | title=The NPL demonstrates its true value | publisher=Football Federation Australia | author=John Kosmina}}</ref>
The [[John Kosmina Medal]] is presented to the best player in the NPL final and is named in honour of former [[Australia men's national soccer team|Australian]] international [[John Kosmina]].<ref name="ffa-kosmina-value">{{cite web | url=http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/kosmina-opinion-display/the-npl-demonstrates-its-true-value/77303 | title=The NPL demonstrates its true value | publisher=Football Federation Australia | author=John Kosmina | access-date=1 November 2013 | archive-date=18 October 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131018014517/http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/kosmina-opinion-display/The-NPL-demonstrates-its-true-value/77303 | url-status=dead }}</ref>


== See also ==
== See also ==

Latest revision as of 06:26, 5 November 2024

For the Australian women's football equivalent, see National Premier Leagues Women's. For the first-tier of Jamaican football, see National Premier League.

National Premier Leagues
First season2013
CountryAustralia
ConfederationAFC
DivisionsACT
NSW
Northern NSW
Queensland
South Australia
Tasmania
Victoria
Western Australia
Number of clubs94 clubs (from 8 divisions)
Level on pyramid2 (3 from 2025)
Domestic cup(s)Australia Cup
Current championsWollongong Wolves (2019)
Most championshipsSydney United 58 (2 titles)
Websitenationalpremierleagues.com.au
Current: 2024 National Premier Leagues

The National Premier Leagues (NPL) is a men's national association football competition in Australia which acts as the second tier of the sport in the country below the A-League. The NPL consists of the highest level state league in each state-based federation within Australia. In total the NPL is contested by clubs from eight divisions; these are ACT, NSW, Northern NSW, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia. The NPL is overseen by Football Australia, in partnership with participating state-based member federations.

Up to the 2019 season, one representative from each regional participated in the NPL Championship, a knock-out competition to determine a national champion.

From the 2025 season, the NPL Premiers from each Member Federation will be invited to play in the new 16-team National Second Division (currently referred to as a National Second Tier), to be played between October and December 2025.[1][2]

History

[edit]

In October 2010, Football Federation Australia (FFA) commenced a National Competition Review, its main objective being to review the current structure of soccer competitions in Australia, and to monitor and improve elite player development.[3] By May 2012 the results of the National Competition Review were released. In it, a proposal to re-brand and revitalise state-based competitions in Australia.[4]

On 13 February 2013, the establishment of the National Premier Leagues was announced. As a direct outcome of the National Competition Review, the league would rebrand the premier league in each state under a single banner.[5] Originally named Australian Premier League but due to a violation of naming rights held by Lawn Bowls Australia the original name was scrapped and replaced with National Premier Leagues.[6]

The inaugural season of the NPL began in March 2013. It included teams from five of the nine state-based federations:[5]

The other four of the nine state-based federations joined the NPL in 2014:

Those federations who joined in the 2014 season, were expected to adopt a partial model at some time in the future.[7][8] Although Victoria initially announced their teams would enter in 2014, a deferral was later announced in November 2013, after several clubs objected to the process for selecting teams. However, by December 2013, a resolution was reached whereby Victorian teams participated in the 2014 season.[9][10]

FFA announced their intentions of a promotion and relegation structure between the first tier A-League and second tier working title Australian Championship from late 2022 but move to 2025.[11]

The finals series for the 2020 competition was cancelled on 3 July 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia,[12] and has not been held since.

Competition format

[edit]
A diagram showing the state member federations of FFA.
National Premier Leagues is located in Australia
National Premier Leagues
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class=notpageimage|
Map showing the location of teams in the National Premier Leagues.

The NPL competitions in each state and territory are run by the member federation, with a national playoff tournament at the end of each season.[5] Each member federation, or 'conference' contains various numbers of teams, and they play a full season with no inter-conference matches (an identical format to the individual State Leagues that preceded the NPL). The winner of each division is determined by the club in first position of each conference table at the end of the regular season, rather than the winner of the various state-based finals series.

Former NPL finals series

[edit]

Up to the 2019 season, the winners of each respective Federation league (the regular home and away season) competed in a finals playoff tournament. These were all single match knock out matches. Between 2013 and 2015 the match ups were based on predetermined geographically adjacent Federations, with hosting rights for the quarter-finals alternating each year. From 2016 to 2019 the match ups were determined by an open draw.[13] The hosts for the semi-finals and Grand Final were determined by a formula based on the time of winning of the previous NPL Finals matches (normal time, extra time or penalties), goals scored and allowed, and yellow/red cards.

The finals series culminated in a Grand Final, where the winner was crowned National Premier Leagues Champions.[14] From 2014 to 2019, the NPL Champion also qualified for the following years' FFA Cup round of 32.

Promotion and relegation

[edit]

Depending on the State Federation in charge, teams may be relegated from the NPL to a third-tier league in the same state (and vice versa), but there is currently no mechanism for a team to be promoted to the first tier of Australian soccer, the A-League. The number of teams promoted and relegated from third-tier leagues per state has varied over the existence of the NPL. The table below details the number of teams relegated automatically from the NPL at the end of the season and the number of NPL teams which go into a relegation playoff against a lower league team (subject to those lower league teams meeting additional eligibility criteria to be able to be promoted to the NPL).

Federation Number of clubs
Automatic
relegation		 Relegation
playoffs
ACT 1 0
NSW 1 1
Northern NSW 1 1
Queensland 2 0
SA 2 0
Tasmania none
Victoria 2 0
WA 1 1

Current clubs

[edit]

Below are listed the National Premier Leagues clubs in each respective state member federation from the 2024 season.

In total, there are 94 clubs that compete in the top tier of the National Premier Leagues each season. Most NPL divisions involve promotion and relegation to leagues below the NPL and so participating clubs change annually.

Australian Capital Territory
Canberra Croatia FC
Canberra Olympic FC
Cooma Tigers FC
Gungahlin United FC
Monaro Panthers FC
HNK O'Connor Knights
Tuggeranong United
Yoogali SC
New South Wales
APIA Leichhardt Tigers FC
Blacktown City FC
Central Coast Mariners Academy
Hills United
Manly United FC
Marconi Stallions FC
Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC
North West Sydney Spirit
Rockdale Ilinden FC
St George City
Sutherland Sharks FC
Sydney FC Youth
Sydney Olympic FC
Sydney United 58 FC
Western Sydney Wanderers Youth
Wollongong Wolves FC
Northern New South Wales
Adamstown Rosebud FC
Broadmeadow Magic FC
Charlestown Azzurri FC
Cooks Hill United FC
Edgeworth Eagles FC
Lake Macquarie City FC
Lambton Jaffas FC
Maitland FC
New Lambton FC
Newcastle Olympic FC
Valentine Phoenix FC
Weston Bears FC
Queensland
Brisbane City FC
Brisbane Roar FC Youth
Gold Coast Knights F.C.
Gold Coast United FC
Lions FC
Redlands United FC
Rochedale Rovers FC
Moreton City Excelsior
Olympic FC
Peninsula Power FC
Sunshine Coast Wanderers
Wynnum Wolves
South Australia
Adelaide City FC
Adelaide Comets FC
Adelaide Croatia Raiders SC
Adelaide Olympic FC
Adelaide United FC Youth
Campbelltown City SC
Croydon Kings FC
Modbury Jets SC
FK Beograd FC
North Eastern MetroStars FC
Para Hills Knights SC
South Adelaide Panthers FC
Tasmania
Clarence Zebras FC
Devonport City FC
Glenorchy Knights FC
Kingborough Lions United FC
Launceston City FC
Olympia FC Warriors
Riverside Olympic FC
South Hobart FC
Victoria
Altona Magic SC
Avondale FC
Dandenong City SC
Dandenong Thunder SC
Green Gully SC
Heidelberg United FC
Hume City FC
Manningham United Blues FC
Melbourne Knights FC
Moreland City FC
Oakleigh Cannons FC
Port Melbourne SC
South Melbourne FC
St Albans Saints SC
Western Australia
Armadale SC
Balcatta Etna FC
Bayswater City SC
Floreat Athena FC
Fremantle City FC
Inglewood United FC
Olympic Kingsway
Perth SC
Perth Glory FC Youth
Perth RedStar FC
Stirling Macedonia FC
Western Knights SC

Honours

[edit]

NPL Finals

[edit]
Season/s Champions Score Runners-up Venue Attendance
2013 New South Wales Sydney United 58 2–0 Tasmania South Hobart KGV Park 1,150
2014 South Australia North Eastern MetroStars 1–0 New South Wales Bonnyrigg White Eagles Lambert Park –
2015 New South Wales Blacktown City 3–1 Western Australia Bayswater City Dorrien Gardens –
2016 New South Wales Sydney United 58 4–1 New South Wales Edgeworth FC Sydney United Sports Centre –
2017 Victoria (state) Heidelberg United 2–0 Queensland Brisbane Strikers Perry Park 1,105
2018 South Australia Campbelltown City 2–1 Queensland Lions FC Steve Woodcock Sports Centre 1,518
2019 New South Wales Wollongong Wolves 4–3 (a.e.t.) Queensland Lions FC Albert Butler Memorial Park 1,362
2020 Cancelled[a]
2021 Not held
2022 Not held
2023 Not held
2024 Not held

Clubs reaching the finals

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Team Champions Runners-up Semi-finalist Quarter-finalist Finals appearance/s
New South Wales Sydney United 58 2 (2013, 2016) — — — 2
South Australia Campbelltown City 1 (2018) — 1 (2013) 1 (2019) 3
Victoria (state) Heidelberg United 1 (2017) — 1 (2018) 1 (2019) 3
New South Wales Blacktown City 1 (2015) — — — 1
South Australia North Eastern MetroStars 1 (2014) — — — 1
New South Wales Wollongong Wolves 1 (2019) — — — 1
Queensland Lions FC — 2 (2018, 2019) — — 2
New South Wales Edgeworth — 1 (2016) 1 (2017) 2 (2015, 2018) 4
Queensland Brisbane Strikers — 1 (2017) 1 (2016) — 2
Western Australia Bayswater City — 1 (2015) — 2 (2014, 2017) 3
Tasmania South Hobart — 1 (2013) — 2 (2014, 2017) 3
New South Wales Bonnyrigg White Eagles — 1 (2014) — — 1
Western Australia Perth SC — — 2 (2016, 2019) 1 (2018) 3
Victoria (state) South Melbourne — — 1 (2014) 1 (2015) 2
South Australia APIA Leichhardt Tigers — — 1 (2017) — 1
New South Wales Maitland — — 1 (2019) — 1
Queensland Moreton Bay United — — 1 (2015) — 1
Tasmania Olympia — — 1 (2015) — 1
Queensland Olympic — — 1 (2013) — 1
Queensland Palm Beach — — 1 (2014) — 1
New South Wales Sydney Olympic — — 1 (2018) — 1
Australian Capital Territory Canberra Croatia — — — 3 (2013, 2015, 2018) 3
Australian Capital Territory Canberra Olympic — — — 3 (2016, 2017, 2019) 3
Tasmania Devonport City — — — 3 (2016, 2018, 2019) 3
South Australia Adelaide City — — — 2 (2016, 2017) 2
Victoria (state) Bentleigh Greens — — — 1 (2016) 1
Australian Capital Territory Cooma — — — 1 (2014) 1
South Australia West Adelaide — — — 1 (2015) 1
New South Wales Weston Workers — — — 1 (2014) 1

Federation Premiers by season

[edit]
Season ACT New South Wales Northern
New South Wales		 Queensland South Australia Tasmania Victoria Western Australia
2013 Canberra Croatia Sydney United 58 — [b] Olympic FC Campbelltown City [c] South Hobart — [b] — [b]
2014 Cooma FC Bonnyrigg White Eagles Weston Workers [d] Palm Beach North Eastern MetroStars South Hobart South Melbourne Bayswater City
2015 Canberra Croatia Blacktown City Edgeworth FC Moreton Bay United West Adelaide Olympia Warriors South Melbourne Bayswater City
2016 Canberra Olympic Sydney United 58 Edgeworth FC Brisbane Strikers Adelaide City Devonport City Bentleigh Greens Perth SC
2017 Canberra Olympic APIA Leichhardt Edgeworth FC Brisbane Strikers Adelaide City South Hobart Heidelberg United Bayswater City
2018 Canberra Croatia Sydney Olympic Edgeworth FC Lions FC Campbelltown City Devonport City Heidelberg United Perth SC
2019 Canberra Olympic Wollongong Wolves Maitland FC Lions FC Campbelltown City Devonport City Heidelberg United Perth SC
2020 [e] — [f] Rockdale City Suns Edgeworth FC Peninsula Power Adelaide Comets Devonport City — [g] — [h]
2021 Cooma FC [i] — [j] Lambton Jaffas [k] Peninsula Power Adelaide Comets Glenorchy Knights Oakleigh Cannons [l] Perth SC
2022 Canberra Croatia Sydney Olympic Maitland FC Lions FC Adelaide City Devonport City South Melbourne Floreat Athena
2023 O'Connor Knights APIA Leichhardt Lambton Jaffas Gold Coast Knights North Eastern MetroStars Devonport City Avondale FC Perth RedStar
2024 Gungahlin United Rockdale Ilinden Broadmeadow Magic Gold Coast Knights North Eastern MetroStars Glenorchy Knights South Melbourne Olympic Kingsway

Performance by Federation

[edit]
Federation Best Performance Multiple Champions
Football NSW Champions (4) Sydney United 58 (2)
Football South Australia Champions (2)
Football Victoria Champions (1)
Football Queensland Runners-up (3)
Football Tasmania Runners-up (1)
Football West Runners-up (1)
Northern NSW Football Runners-up (1)
Capital Football Quarter Finalists (7)

Individual honours

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The John Kosmina Medal is presented to the best player in the NPL final and is named in honour of former Australian international John Kosmina.[23]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ The 2020 Finals Series and the 2020 FFA Cup were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. Wollongong Wolves had already qualified for the 2020 FFA Cup prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, so were given an automatic entry into the 2021 FFA Cup.[15]
  2. ^ a b c Northern NSW, Victoria and Western Australia were not part of the inaugural NPL finals series.
  3. ^ North Eastern MetroStars won its league season, but did not proceed to the NPL Finals series (that year's Champion qualified instead).
  4. ^ Newcastle Jets Youth team won its league season, but were ineligible for the NPL Finals series (the runner-up qualified instead).
  5. ^ Competition Premiers only, as finals series cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia.[12]
  6. ^ No Premier declared.
  7. ^ 2020 for Victoria cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[16]
  8. ^ No Premier declared.[17]
  9. ^ Season cancelled, but Premier declared.[18]
  10. ^ 2021 for NSW cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[19]
  11. ^ Season cancelled, but Premier declared.[20]
  12. ^ 2021 for Victoria initially cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[21] However, as a result of a court challenge involving Avondale FC and Football Victoria, it was agreed that eight rounds of games from the 2022 NPL Season would also count towards the 2021 NPL league table, enabling sufficient matches to be played to "complete" the season, and be able to declare a Premier for 2021.[22]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "'Landmark moment': FA firm up key details as National Second Tier set to begin in 2025". www.theroar.com.au. 31 October 2024. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
  2. ^ "Football Australia unveils new format and start date for National Second Tier competition". www.footballaustralia.com.au. 31 October 2024. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
  3. ^ Siokos, Anthony (28 May 2012). "Analysis: Review gives FFA clear signal of how they must spread the love". Sport Business Insider. Sports Business Insider Group. Archived from the original on 29 July 2018. Retrieved 4 May 2013.
  4. ^ "FFA releases outcomes of National Competitions Review". Football Federation Australia. Archived from the original on 24 December 2013. Retrieved 13 February 2013.
  5. ^ a b c "FFA launches National Premier Leagues". Football Federation Australia. 13 February 2013. Archived from the original on 24 December 2013. Retrieved 23 December 2013.
  6. ^ "Wolves could move into A-League under new changes". Illawarra Mercury. 12 February 2013. Archived from the original on 24 December 2013. Retrieved 13 February 2013.
  7. ^ "Gallop aims for Aussie FA Cup". The Australian. AAP. 14 February 2013. Archived from the original on 17 May 2014. Retrieved 23 December 2013.
  8. ^ "Second Division 'By 2022'?". Australian FourFourTwo. Sportal Australia. 3 October 2012. Archived from the original on 24 December 2013. Retrieved 23 December 2013.
  9. ^ "NPL update – message from FFV Board". Football Federation Victoria. 8 November 2013. Archived from the original on 24 December 2013. Retrieved 4 December 2013.
  10. ^ "National Premier Leagues confirmed for Victoria in 2014". Football Federation Australia. 6 December 2013. Archived from the original on 24 December 2013. Retrieved 23 December 2013.
  11. ^ "Australian Premier League Announced". sportingpulse.com. Archived from the original on 24 March 2023. Retrieved 23 February 2013.
  12. ^ a b "Coronavirus forces FFA Cup to be cancelled". The World Game. SBS. 7 July 2020. Archived from the original on 30 October 2020. Retrieved 7 July 2020.
  13. ^ "Matchups for 2016 Finals Series take shape". 18 July 2016. Archived from the original on 17 August 2016. Retrieved 21 July 2016.
  14. ^ "FFA unveils National Premier Leagues". Australian FourFourTwo. Archived from the original on 24 December 2013. Retrieved 13 February 2013.
  15. ^ Football Federation Australia (1 December 2020). "Stand-alone Final and AFC Champions League prize to headline rebooted FFA Cup in 2021". Archived from the original on 20 March 2021. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  16. ^ "Grassroots football temporarily suspended". Football Federation Australia. 17 March 2020. Archived from the original on 25 March 2020. Retrieved 17 March 2020.
  17. ^ "Competition Rules – National Premier Leagues WA" (PDF). Football West. 11 June 2020. Archived (PDF) from the original on 14 June 2020. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
  18. ^ "CAPITAL FOOTBALL WINTER COMPETITION UPDATE". Capital Football. 7 September 2021. Archived from the original on 7 September 2021. Retrieved 7 September 2021.
  19. ^ "Football NSW Cancel 2021 National Premier Leagues Season". Football NSW. 12 August 2021. Archived from the original on 12 August 2021. Retrieved 12 August 2021.
  20. ^ "Northern NSW Football announces conclusion of 2021 Premier Competitions". Northern NSW Football. 9 September 2021. Archived from the original on 9 September 2021. Retrieved 9 September 2021.
  21. ^ "Metro Melbourne 2021 season status". Football Victoria. 3 September 2021. Archived from the original on 3 September 2021. Retrieved 3 September 2021.
  22. ^ "Outcome of legal proceedings between Avondale FC and Football Victoria announced". Football Victoria. 28 January 2022. Archived from the original on 4 February 2022. Retrieved 4 February 2022.
  23. ^ John Kosmina. "The NPL demonstrates its true value". Football Federation Australia. Archived from the original on 18 October 2013. Retrieved 1 November 2013.
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