FC Bulleen Lions
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| Full name | FC Bulleen Lions |
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Lions |
| Founded | 1974 |
| Ground | David Barro Stadium |
| Capacity | 6000 |
| Chairman | Amalia Grassi |
| Manager | Aaron Healey |
| League | NPL Victoria |
| 2016 | 11th |
F.C. Bulleen Lions, known as Lions, is an Australian semi-professional football club based in Bulleen, a suburb of Melbourne, Victoria. Founded in 1974, the club currently competes in the National Premier Leagues Victoria.
FC Bulleen Lions was founded in 1974. The team wore maroon and gold kits. The Club initially competed in the VSF North Division. In 1977, Bulleen moved up to Provisional League Two. In 1983, after finishing second in Provisional League Two the year before, Bulleen were granted a licence to participate in the third division of the Metropolitan league. In 1985, Bulleen were promoted to the second division of the Metro league. In 1987 Bulleen won the Division 1 championship by one point against Ringwood City Wilhelmina. In 1987, the senior team was promoted to the State League, the then top division of football in Victoria.
In 1991, Bulleen were accepted into the reformed Victorian Premier League, which replaced the old State League. Bulleen finished the season equal first with Juventus, but lost out on top spot by virtue of a lower goal difference.
In 1993, Bulleen became known as the Bulleen Lions. That was a famous year for the club as the first major title was secured, first winning the Premiers Plate for their first-place finish and then grabbing the Championship by beating Fawkner in the Grand Final. Bulleen reached the Grand Final again in 1995, but lost out to Altona Magic SC 3–2 at Olympic Park.
In 1997, Brunswick Zebras merged with Bulleen Lions and Box Hill Inter to become the Bulleen Inter Kings. Bulleen Inter Kings later changed their name to the Bulleen Zebras.
In 2007, the club hosted no senior team. In 2008, Essendon Royals played out of the Veneto Club and formed the Bulleen Royals, playing in the First Division. From 2009 onwards, the seniors were once again known as the FC Bulleen Lions, reverting to their original colours of maroon and gold. The club finished mid-table in the Victorian State League 1 for five consecutive seasons from 2009–2013.
In 2014, Bulleen participated in the inaugural National Premier Leagues Victoria 2 campaign, finishing in fifth place in the 14 team competition. In 2015, the NPL1 competition was split into East and West conferences. The Lions achieved promotion back into the top flight of Victorian football after topping the NPL1 West competition, finishing the season on 57 points, six ahead of second placed Moreland Zebras FC.
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