1996–97 marked Sydney United's fourteenth season in the NSL, with Branko Culina in his third season as head coach. The club enjoyed a highly successful campaign, finishing as Premiers with a commanding 9-point lead atop the league table. Striker David Zdrilic was the league's top goalscorer, netting 21 goals during the regular season.
Croatian midfielder Krešimir Marušić, signed in the off-season from NK Inter Zaprešić, was awarded the prestigious Johnny Warren Medal as NSL Player of the Year for his standout performances throughout the season. Head coach Branko Culina was also recognised, receiving the NSL Coach of the Year award for guiding United to the premiership and Grand Final.
In the finals series, Sydney United progressed to the NSL Grand Final after a 1–0 victory over South Melbourne in the Preliminary Final. However, they were defeated 2–0 by Brisbane Strikers in the Grand Final, which was held at Suncorp Stadium before a then-NSL record crowd of 40,446.
Sydney United also claimed silverware in the Waratah Cup, defeating Parramatta Eagles 2–1 in the final, with Ante Milicic scoring both goals. Their run in the Johnny Walker Cup was short-lived, as they were eliminated in the Round of 16 by Sydney Olympic.
Sydney United also won the National Youth League Northern Division Grand Final, defeating Marconi Fairfield 1-0, thanks to a Tony Krslovic goal.
Players
Transfers in
Transfers out
Mid-Season Losses
Competitions
Overview
National Soccer League
League table
Matches
NSL Final Series
Johnny Walker Cup
Waratah Cup
Statistics
Appearances and goals Players with no appearances not included in the list.
No.Pos.Nat.NameNational Soccer LeagueFinal SeriesJohhny Walker CupWaratah CupTotal1 GK 260300000290 2 DF 251400000291 3 DF 223402020303 5 DF 242300000272 6 MF 224301020284 7 MF 243410000284 8 MF 234402000294 9 MF 133002021174 10 FW 26184120353524 11 MF 202200000222 12 DF 113200000133 14 FW 26214020323523 15 MF 123312020194 17 DF 220402020300 18 MF 6020000080 19 FW 1000000010 20 GK 0000102030 21 DF 152102000182 22 MF 4010002070 23 DF 60002021101 24MF 3000102060 25DF 0000100010 27DF 3010000040 30GK 0010101030 28MF 0000102030 Players who left during the season4 MF 7200000072 19DF 2000201050
References