1976

Socceroo coach Brian Green quits after he is arrested on shoplifting charges. Jim Shoulder is elected as national coach after Rale Rasic, Johnny Warren and Alan Vest are eliminated in an ASF ballot.

1977

The Philips Soccer League kicks off in Australia - the country's first national sporting league - with 14 teams.

1978

Australia rejoins the OFC.

1979

1980

1984
Two Conference system introduced for the National League. The Australian Conference was made up entirely of NSW based teams, whilst the National Conference was made up of teams from Victoria, Queensland and South Australia.

1985
Five Australian players based overseas.

1986
Australian Craig Johnston won the 'double' with Liverpool, winning the League and FA Cup.

1987
The National League reverts back to a 'one conference' setup. Former powerhouse club, Sydney City withdraws from the league, after one round, due to lack of funding.

1988

1989
The number of Australian players based overseas hits 23.

1992
National league Top 6 introduced.

1995

Australian football internet presence began - with the creation of the ozfootball website - at the same time both the Newcastle Breakers and South Melbourne football clubs began fledgling websites.

1997

Australia reaches the Confederations Cup Final, but loses 6-0 to Brazil.

1999

The Joeys (u17's) reach the World Cup final against Brazil losing on penalties. It's the first World Cup final that Australia reaches.

2000
South Melbourne are crowned Oceania Club Champions and take their place at the FIFA World Club Championships held in Brazil. They play against Vasco De Gama, Necaxa and Manchester United. Striker John Anastasiadis scores Australia's first ever goal in the Tournament.

2003
The long awaited Crawford Report into Australian Soccer is released. 
Australian Soccer Association is formed - later to be known as the Football Federation Australia.

2004
After 27 years, the National Soccer League ceases.

2005
A-League begins with 8 teams.

In November, Australia defeat Uruguay, over two-legs to reach the World Cup finals for the first time in 32 years

2006
Australia officially joins the Asian Football Confederation.

 

 

Acknowledgements :

"Jack Pollard's Soccer Records" - Sid Grant, Sid Grant Publications.

"The Book of Football - Temple of Knowledge Vol.1" - Harry Hetherington.

"‘Father of Australian Soccer’: John Walter Fletcher 1847-1918—a Biographical Sketch" - Philip Mosely, Whitley College, University of Melbourne.

"MARMARAS’ OYSTER OR SEAMONDS’ BABY: THE FORMATION OF THE VICTORIAN SOCCER FEDERATION, 1956-1964" - Roy Hay, School of Australian and International Studies, Deakin University.

"THE GAME: EARLY SOCCER SCENERY IN NEW SOUTH WALES" - Philip Mosely, University of Canberra.

Football Federation Australia.

Various online digitised libraries.