Bit of history for anyone not across it. In Australia in 2004 the old NSL (top division) got scrapped and replaced with a closed franchise competition with brand new franchises. No pro/rel, no promotion for anyone, ever. Clubs like South Melbourne, Sydney Olympic, Marconi, Preston, Adelaide City who are some of the most decorated, best supported clubs in the country's football history got locked out completely and have had to play in the state leagues ever since. The stated reason was "ethnic club" baggage, the real reason was a handful of investors wanted a closed shop where relegation could never touch their asset value. South Melbourne didn't fold. Multiple championships, an actual Oceania Club of the Century trophy sitting in the cabinet, and they kept going in the state league while the code built a whole new pyramid designed to make sure they'd never get back up to where they rightfully belong. Founded by the Greek community in 1959, decades of history, generations of members, been playing out of Lakeside for years. Also one of the most multicultural clubs in the country now, been welcoming every community under the sun for years, not just the one it started with. 22 years later, after their win last night in the Australian Cup semi final, South are in a final against a Melbourne franchise that exists in the same city, same market, playing the same sport, that was handed a licence South were never allowed to compete for. No history before 2004, corporate licence, corporate name, colours picked by committee, membership base that didn't exist until a marketing department built one. One was built in a boardroom in 2004 and the other was built by immigrants. Fun Fact: South Melbourne’s ultimate club legend is Ange Postecoglou, who played under Hungarian icon Ferenc Puskas and captained the club to the 1991 title. In total, Ange was directly involved in all four of South Melbourne’s national championships, winning two as a player (1984, 1991) and two as manager (1998, 1999).   submitted by   /u/pingers4breaky [link]   [comments]