Fresh from their NPL Queensland Grand Final triumph over Brisbane City last weekend, Olympic FC commence their preparations for the interstate National Premier Leagues Final Series tonight against Western Pride at Goodwin Park.

While only considered a friendly match, the hit-out will serve as a vital warm-up as the state champions prepare to face representative of five other NPL state competitions in a national playoff.

Olympic will host the winner of Sydney United 58 (NPL NSW Premiers) and Canberra FC (NPL Capital Football Premiers) at Queensland Sports and Athletic Centre on October 5.

The winner of that match will qualify for the inaugural National Premier Leagues Grand Final against the winner of the other semi-final between Tasmania’s Victory League winners South Hobart FC and the yet to be determined South Australia's NPL Grand Final winners.

For their part, Western Pride are also seeking to keep sharp ahead of their friendly match with Brisbane Roar next Wednesday in Toowoomba.

Pride earned a reputation as giant-killers this season, and will be hoping to further that reputation against the state's only A-League club.

The Ipswich-based club were one of only three teams to defeat Olympic in the home and away season, upsetting the eventual Champions 5-4 on their home turf. Pride also defeated Grand Final runners up Brisbane City earlier in the season.

Olympic are expected to announce further friendlies next week.

More information on the National Premier Leagues Finals Series format can be found at the Football Federation Australia website - http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/Inaugural-NPL-Finals-Series-takes-shape/74664

Match Details:

Olympic FC v Western Pride
Friday, 13 September 2013
Goodwin Park
Kick off: 7:30pm

Western Pride v Brisbane Roar
Wednesday, 18 September 2013
Toowoomba Grammar School (Old Boys Oval)
Kick off: 3:15pm

 

Words: Michael Flynn (Football Queensland)
Image: Ian Judd