The long-awaited first round of the National Premier Leagues starts in Queensland on Friday night with a blockbuster Brisbane derby between long-standing rivals Brisbane City and Olympic FC and Mark Boyd, Technical Director at Brisbane City, is adamant that the match will live up to expectations.

“I think everyone is excited about the start of the new league,” Boyd enthused, “The pitch looks superb and we’re ready to go.”

“Of course, it’s going to be a telling time for us. We have a very young squad at City, but with lack of experience comes a readiness and our players are very enthusiastic to get started.”

“You’re going to see a City side that progresses as the season does – we’re going to ease in to the season and it might take some settling in.”

But Boyd was adamant that the fixture against Olympic was the perfect way to start the campaign, “Both clubs have enormous histories and a good competitive spirit,” Boyd explained, “I think it’s an absolutely tremendous game to start the season with.”

Jim Bellas, Head Coach at Olympic FC, echoed the sentiment, “It’s always a big game for us up against City and the supporters from both clubs just go absolutely crazy for it.”

“But more than that, it’s a new competition and of course we want to do well in it. We really want to win the first game and get off to a good start.”

Senior level titles have proved elusive for Olympic in recent years, but Bellas is adamant his squad will not be simply making up the numbers in the NPL.

“Our players want to win silverware and I believe we have the depth in our squad to be there or thereabouts," Bellas said. "I’m pretty confident we can finish in the top four come season’s end.”

Bellas is also confident his side is adequately prepared if the weather didn’t brighten before Friday, “We’ve been training on our field in the wet. It’s my call if we train on it or not and it’s looking like the right call at the moment.”

Words: Michael Flynn (Football Queensland)