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Sutherland Sharks FC
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Sutherland Sharks FC is an Australian association football club based in the suburb of Sutherland in Sydney, New South Wales. The club currently competes in the National Premier Leagues NSW. Its home games are played at Seymour Shaw Park, located in the southern Sydney suburb of Miranda.[1] It is incorporated as a non-profit club.[2]
Key Information
History
[edit]The origins of Sutherland Sharks are traced back to the founding of Sutherland United SFC in 1930. By 1936, the club had grown markedly leading to a split and formation of the current-day club, albeit under a different name – Casuals Soccer Football Club. In the post-WWII era, the club grew and found success in the St George Football Association but in 1947 they stepped up to the Metropolitan Soccer League (effectively the Sydney 2nd Division, behind only the old NSW Soccer Association 1st Division). The club soon earned its stripes in this highly competitive league winning the title in just their second year and gaining promotion to the heady heights of the 1st Division but disappointingly, financial constraints forced them to let the opportunity pass. It was another 24 years before the club moved into the top flight state league.
In 1949 the club changed its name to the more representative Sutherland Shire Casuals SFC, and in 1950 the club acquired a long-term lease on the Seymour Shaw field. However the club did not move permanently to the Miranda ground until 1959, continuing to use Sutherland Oval. In 1955, the club again changed its name to Sutherland Shire Soccer Football Club. In 1961 it amalgamated with the ailing St George district club (a separate entity to the later St George Budapest) and for a brief period became 'Sutherland–St George SFC' before reverting to its previous name in 1963.[3][4]
The club made the 1967 Sydney Federation Division Two Final series after finishing the season in fourth. The club then finished second in the Final series and qualified for the Grand Final against Bankstown who finished first. Sutherland Shire lost the game 1–0.[5]
In 1971 Sutherland won the Sydney Federation Division Two, securing promotion to the NSW top league. In 1978 the club won a major trophy for the first time when they claimed the prestigious Ampol Cup. Later that year Sutherland defeated Sydney Croatia 2–1 in a replayed Grand Final at Wentworth Park. The club again won the Ampol Cup in 1981 and also achieved a 3–1 Grand Final win against Melita Eagles at St George Stadium in 1986.
In 1984, when the National Soccer League expanded by the addition of four Sydney clubs, Sutherland, who was initially tipped to join the league, was edged out by the newly formed Penrith City. During the 1990s the club recorded its first ever premiership in 1991, and followed this up with a repeat victory in 1996. The club remained in the 1st Division until the 2001/02 season, relegating for two seasons and then returning to the top flight.[6]
Rebrand
[edit]On 31 January 2025, Sutherland Sharks FC changed its name to Sharks FC as part of a rebrand.[7] However, the decision was reversed less than two weeks later on 12 February 2025 following negative feedback.[8]
Current squad
[edit]As of 12 November 2025 [9]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Honours
[edit]- National Premier Leagues NSW regular season:
- Champions (3): 1978, 1986, 2009
- National Premier Leagues NSW grand final:
- Premiers (2): 1991, 2008
- NSW Division One:
- Champions (1): 1971
- Runners-Up (3): 1967, 1970
- Premiers (1): 1971
- Waratah Cup:
References
[edit]- ^ Sharks Rediscover Bie Against Wolves. St George & Liverpool Leader
- ^ Reach Extended To Breed New Stars. St George & Sutherland Leader
- ^ "1962 Division Two Fixtures". www.socceraust.co.uk.
- ^ "1963 Division Two Fixtures". www.socceraust.co.uk.
- ^ "Sydney Federation Division Two Fixtures". www.socceraust.co.uk.
- ^ "Sutherland Sharks FC History". Sutherland Sharks Football Club.
- ^ "Sharks FC Launch New Brand". Sharks FC. 31 January 2025. Archived from the original on 3 February 2025. Retrieved 3 February 2025.
- ^ "We Heard You… Sutherland Is Back". Sutherland Sharks FC. 11 February 2025. Archived from the original on 12 February 2025. Retrieved 12 February 2025.
- ^ "Thankyou & Farewell". Sutherland Sharks Official Instagram. Retrieved 12 November 2025.
External links
[edit]Sutherland Sharks FC
View on GrokipediaHistory
Founding and early years
Sutherland Sharks FC traces its origins to 1930, when it was founded as Sutherland United Soccer Football Club in the Sutherland suburb of Sydney, New South Wales. The club was established at the home of its first president, Mr. J. Nicholls, and initially played in red and white stripes on cleared land near President Avenue.[2][3] In 1933, Sutherland United entered the St George district competition, marking its formal entry into organized local soccer. The club achieved its first major success the following year, securing the 1934 St George District Premiership with a 4-0 victory over Rockdale. By 1936, the club had grown significantly, leading to a split and the formation of Casuals Soccer Football Club (which wore black and gold colors), forming the basis of the modern entity and shifting matches to Miller's Paddock in Miranda. In 1947, the club stepped up to the Metropolitan Soccer League, effectively Sydney's second division at the time, and won the league title in 1948.[2][3] Name changes reflected the club's expanding regional identity: in 1949, it rebranded as Sutherland Shire Casuals SFC to better represent the broader shire, and in 1955, it became Sutherland Shire Soccer Football Club. By 1950, the club secured a long-term lease for Seymour Shaw Park in Miranda, named after local figure Edward Seymour Shaw, though it did not permanently relocate there until 1959, having previously used Sutherland Oval. A brief merger occurred in 1961 with the struggling St George district club, creating Sutherland–St George FC, but the club soon reverted to independent status under its prior name. During this period, it also won the NSW State League Division 3 title in 1957, earning promotion to Division 1 by 1958, while continuing to compete at district and metropolitan levels.[2][3]Rise and key achievements
Sutherland Sharks FC achieved promotion to the NSW First Division in 1971 after securing the NSW Second Division Premiership under coach Mike Johnson, marking the club's entry into the state's top league for the first time and initiating an era of competitive stability without subsequent relegation.[3] This milestone was highlighted by Paul Smith's decisive goal in a key match against Manly, propelling the team to sustained success in higher divisions.[2] The club experienced a breakthrough double in 1978, winning both the Ampol Cup and the NSW First Division championship, with the latter secured through a 2-1 grand final replay victory over Sydney Croatia.[3] This accomplishment underscored the team's growing prowess in cup and league formats. In 1979, the club introduced women's teams, coinciding with a historic milestone at Seymour Shaw Park, where the Australian women's national team played its first home "A" international match, featuring local player Julie Dolan.[2] Further triumphs followed in the early 1980s, including a second Ampol Cup victory in 1981, reinforcing the club's reputation for cup success.[2] By 1986, Sutherland claimed the NSW First Division championship with a 3-1 grand final win against Melita Eagles at St George Stadium, solidifying their status as a top-tier contender.[3][4] The 1990s brought additional accolades, with the club earning its first NSW Premier League minor premiership in 1991, followed by another in 1996, reflecting consistent performance in the restructured competition.[2] In 2008, Sutherland secured another NSW Premier League premiership, clinching the title with a 1-1 draw against Wollongong FC, while earlier that year they defeated A-League side Sydney FC 1-0 in a friendly match attended by over 5,000 fans, setting a club attendance record.[3][5] Youth development gained prominence in the late 2010s, as the under-20 team captured three consecutive NPL NSW Youth League championships from 2017 to 2019, with victories including a premiership and grand final win over APIA Leichhardt in 2017, a penalty shootout triumph against Sydney FC in 2018, and a comeback penalty win in 2019, highlighting the club's investment in emerging talent.[6][7][8]Rebrands and recent developments
In 2009, under head coach Robbie Stanton, the club achieved a historic treble, securing the Waratah Cup with a 2-1 victory over Manly United, the minor premiership in the NSW Premier League, and the grand final with a 4-1 win against Marconi Stallions at CUA Stadium in Penrith.[2] This dominant season marked a peak in the club's 21st-century successes, showcasing tactical discipline and key contributions from players like those in the forward line that propelled the grand final triumph. Three years later, in 2012, Sutherland Sharks FC reclaimed the Waratah Cup, defeating APIA Leichhardt Tigers 4-1 in the final at Cromer Park, further cementing their cup pedigree amid a competitive league landscape.[9] On 31 January 2025, the club launched a rebrand to Sharks FC, introducing a modernized logo with a streamlined shark emblem in black, white, and blue tones to refresh its visual identity while honoring historical roots; the change aimed to broaden appeal and simplify branding for digital and merchandise platforms.[10] However, following strong fan backlash emphasizing the importance of the "Sutherland" prefix to local heritage, the rebrand was reversed on 12 February 2025, restoring the full name Sutherland Sharks FC and retaining elements of the updated logo with adjustments.[11] The 2025 NPL NSW season saw Sutherland Sharks FC finish 13th out of 16 teams, avoiding relegation by a narrow margin through crucial late wins that preserved their top-flight status despite inconsistent form and defensive vulnerabilities.[12] In response, the club underwent a major squad overhaul ahead of 2026, with 19 players departing, including Jordan Roberts, Jacob Garner, Ikko Ehode Arimoto, Riley Fowler, Mo Ahmed, Kotaro Katsuta, Nick Sullivan, Lachlan Fields, Matthew Moric, Maki Petratos, Kosta Petratos, Mason Fernandez, Daniel Wong, Peter Grozos, Matthew Jackson, Leo Mazis, Thomas Stobierski, Jaden Gasking, and Jacob Tresoglavic, signaling a rebuild under new head coach David Perkovic to inject fresh talent and tactical renewal.[13] Post-2010, the club demonstrated resilience amid league fluctuations, maintaining top-division presence since 1971 while expanding community initiatives that supported promotions and recoveries from mid-table struggles; this included growth in the women's program, which joined the NPL NSW Women and integrated into broader youth development pathways fostering over 20,000 annual participants across genders.[2] The women's team's expansion reflected increased participation and competitive depth, bolstered by facilities at Seymour Shaw Park and partnerships emphasizing inclusivity during periods of on-field challenges.[14]Club infrastructure
Seymour Shaw Park
Seymour Shaw Park, located in Miranda within the Sutherland Shire of New South Wales, Australia, serves as the central hub for the Sutherland Sharks FC's senior, youth, and community matches, benefiting from its proximity to Miranda train station (approximately 570 meters away), local bus services, and Westfield Miranda Shopping Centre for enhanced accessibility.[15][2] The club secured a long-term lease for the site in 1950, initially using it alongside other grounds before establishing it as their permanent home in 1959, marking a key step in their development within New South Wales football.[2] Named after Councillor Edward Seymour Shaw, the venue opened in 1950 and has since become integral to the club's operations.[16] Its capacity accommodates approximately 5,000 spectators, including 1,000 seated in the main grandstand added during upgrades.[16] A pivotal upgrade occurred in 2007 with the installation of Australia's first FIFA-certified synthetic pitch, enabling year-round play and setting a precedent for synthetic surfaces in the country.[2][16] The park holds significant historical value, having hosted Australia's inaugural women's "A" international match on October 6, 1979, where the Matildas drew 2-2 against New Zealand.[2][17] It also drew a record crowd of 5,000 for the Sharks' 2008 premiership-clinching victory over A-League champions Sydney FC, underscoring its role in major club milestones.[2]Training and community facilities
In 2025, Sutherland Sharks FC undertook significant upgrades to its training infrastructure at Seymour Shaw Park, including the establishment of an elite gym equipped for high-performance fitness and rehabilitation, alongside additional training pitches to support expanded player development.[18][19] These enhancements, part of a multi-million-dollar redevelopment, aimed to provide professional-grade resources for both senior and youth athletes, improving recovery protocols and session capacity.[18][19] The club completed construction of a state-of-the-art clubhouse in early 2025, featuring modern amenities such as dedicated coaching spaces, video review areas, and gender-specific change rooms, which directly benefit players through better preparation and post-training support.[20] Integrated into this facility is "Smithy's" Sports Bar & Lounge, named in honor of longtime club volunteer Paul Smith and opened in May 2025, offering a family-friendly venue with expanded seating for over 150 guests to foster post-match community and fan engagement.[21][22] Further expansion of Smithy's by 50% was announced in October 2025 to accommodate growing attendance ahead of the 2026 season.[23] Youth training programs and reserve team facilities are fully integrated within the Seymour Shaw complex, utilizing the upgraded gym and pitches for specialized sessions like the Sharks Development Squad, which provides twice-weekly training for players aged U7 to U14.[24] The High Performance Program, held at the same location, focuses on skill enhancement through one-hour sessions tailored for school-aged athletes, while the Skills Academy supports inclusive development for boys and girls aged 5 to 12 regardless of ability level.[25][26] These initiatives leverage the complex's centralized layout to streamline access for reserve and academy teams, promoting seamless progression to senior squads. Since its founding in the mid-20th century, Sutherland Sharks FC has played a pivotal role in community initiatives, hosting local leagues, women's programs, and events that extend beyond competitive play to grassroots engagement in the Sutherland Shire.[27] The club maintains strong ties with the Sutherland Shire Football Association, collaborating on junior development and community outreach since the 1950s to nurture local talent and promote inclusive participation.[28] Recent efforts included an application for a Girls' and Women's NPL license in 2025, which was unsuccessful, alongside funding for community projects through initiatives like ClubGRANTS, which support local development and accessibility.[27][29] Sustainability efforts at the club's facilities emphasize the maintenance of the synthetic pitch originally installed in February 2007, which was upgraded in 2025 to a FIFA-certified GreenFields system designed for durability and reduced environmental impact.[16][30] This adaptation includes energy-efficient features in the new clubhouse, such as improved lighting and water conservation measures, to minimize the facility's ecological footprint while accommodating increased usage from community programs.[20] The synthetic surface supports year-round training with lower maintenance needs compared to natural turf, aligning with broader environmental goals in the Sutherland Shire.[31]League participation
Competitions and divisions
Sutherland Sharks FC has competed in the top tier of New South Wales football since its promotion to the NSW Soccer Association First Division in 1971, following a victory in the NSW Division Two.[3] The club's early league involvement began in the St George district competitions during the 1930s, progressing to the Metropolitan Soccer League—Sydney's second division—in 1947.[2] After a brief promotion opportunity in 1948 that was declined due to financial constraints, the club steadily advanced through the state leagues, including a stint in NSW State League Division 3 (won in 1957) and Division 1 by 1958, before securing its place in the premier division.[2] Relegation occurred in 2002, but the Sharks returned to the elite level in 2006 by joining the newly formed 10-team NSW Premier League, which evolved into the current National Premier Leagues New South Wales (NPL NSW).[3] The NPL NSW operates as a 16-team league under Football NSW, featuring a round-robin format where each team plays 30 matches—home and away against all opponents—over the season.[32] Promotion and relegation links exist with the tier below, NSW League One: the bottom-placed NPL NSW team (16th) faces automatic relegation, while the 15th-placed team enters a two-legged playoff against the second-placed team from NSW League One to determine the final relegation spot.[32] In addition to league play, the Sharks have participated in various cup competitions sanctioned by Football NSW. These include the Ampol Cup during the 1970s and 1980s, the Waratah Cup from the 2000s onward, and other state cups such as the Leader Challenge Cup and NSW Pre-Season Cup.[3] The club also enters the national Australia Cup periodically as one of the qualifying NPL teams.[33] The club fields teams across multiple Football NSW-sanctioned leagues, including entries for senior men, women, youth, and reserves. The women's team currently competes in NSW League One Women, the second tier below the NPL NSW Women's competition.[34] Youth and reserve sides participate in corresponding age-group divisions within the NPL and state league structures, emphasizing development pathways.[2]Season-by-season record
Sutherland Sharks FC has maintained a presence in New South Wales' top-flight football competition since winning promotion from the Second Division in 1971, accumulating 52 seasons in the top tier as of the end of 2025. The club endured a single relegation in 2002 after finishing 12th in the New South Wales Premier League, spending three seasons in the Super League before returning to the top division in 2006 by successfully bidding for a place in the newly formed 10-team NSW Premier League.[3] No further relegations have occurred, underscoring the club's stability in the National Premier Leagues NSW (NPL NSW) and its predecessors.[1] Key historical successes include Second Division championship in 1971 (22 matches played, 17 wins, 1 draw, 4 losses, 59 goals for, 22 against, 35 points), first-division regular season runners-up in 1978 (26 played, 16 wins, 5 draws, 5 losses, 40-17 goals, 37 points) en route to the title via playoffs and Ampol Cup victory, and outright first-division championships in 1986 and 2009.[35][36][3] Additional minor premierships came in 1991 and 2008, with a grand final win in 2009 (regular season 3rd place) and runners-up finish in 2008 (regular season 1st).[3] In the 2010s and 2020s, the Sharks have typically secured mid-table finishes in the NPL NSW, ranging from 2nd in 2013 to 14th in 2023, interspersed with playoff qualifications and cup successes such as the 2012 Waratah Cup.[1]| Season | League/Division | Position | Pld | W | D | L | Pts | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1971 | NSW Division Two | 1st | 22 | 17 | 1 | 4 | 35 | Promoted to top division; Second Division premiers.[35][3] |
| 1978 | NSW Division One | 2nd | 26 | 16 | 5 | 5 | 37 | Playoff champions; Ampol Cup winners.[36][3] |
| 1986 | NSW Division One | 1st | - | - | - | - | - | Champions.[3] |
| 1991 | NSW Super League | 1st | - | - | - | - | - | Premiers.[3] |
| 1996 | NSW Super League | 2nd | - | - | - | - | - | Premiers.[3] |
| 2002 | NSW Premier League | 12th | - | - | - | - | - | Relegated.[3] |
| 2006 | NSW Premier League | 8th | - | - | - | - | - | Promoted from Super League.[3] |
| 2008 | NSW Premier League | 1st | - | - | - | - | - | Premiers; grand final runners-up.[3] |
| 2009 | NSW Premier League | 3rd | - | - | - | - | - | Grand final winners (4-1 vs. Marconi Stallions); Waratah Cup and Tiger Turf Cup winners.[3] |
| 2010 | NSW Premier League | 6th | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2011 | NSW Premier League | 3rd | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2012 | NSW Premier League | 8th | - | - | - | - | - | Waratah Cup winners.[1] |
| 2013 | NPL NSW | 2nd | - | - | - | - | - | Playoff qualification. |
| 2014 | NPL NSW | 6th | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2015 | NPL NSW | 10th | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2016 | NPL NSW | 7th | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2017 | NPL NSW | 10th | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2018 | NPL NSW | 10th | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2019 | NPL NSW | 8th | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2020 | NPL NSW | 13th | - | - | - | - | - | Shortened season due to COVID-19. |
| 2021 | NPL NSW | 11th | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2022 | NPL NSW | 12th | 22 | 3 | 4 | 15 | 13 | Shortened season.[37] |
| 2023 | NPL NSW | 14th | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2024 | NPL NSW | 13th | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2025 | NPL NSW | 13th | 30 | 7 | 5 | 18 | 26 | Finished with 28 goals for and 53 against.[38][39] |
Playing staff
Current first-team squad
Following a significant squad overhaul after the 2025 NPL NSW season, which saw 19 players depart including Jordan Roberts, Jacob Garner, Ikko Arimoto, and others, Sutherland Sharks FC has begun rebuilding its first-team roster under new head coach David Perkovic for the 2026 campaign.[13][40] This transformation aims to inject fresh talent and establish a competitive edge in the league, with a focus on blending experienced players and recent signings. The current squad emphasizes Australian talent supplemented by select international additions, structured across goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards. The men's first-team squad as of November 2025 includes the following key players, with several 2025 signings retained or extended into 2026:| Position | Player | Nationality | Date of Birth | Join Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | ||||
| GK | Danijel Nizic | Australia | 15 March 1995 | 2023 |
| Defenders | ||||
| DF | Yianni Nicolaou | Australia | 5 January 2000 | June 2025 |
| Midfielders | ||||
| MF | Leo Mazis | Australia | 7 October 2000 | June 2025 |
| MF | Tariq Maia | Australia | 11 June 1997 | June 2025 |
| MF | Brendan Gan | Malaysia | 3 June 1988 | 2025 |
| MF | Kosta Petratos | Australia | 1 March 1998 | January 2025 |
