1996–97 National Soccer League
The 1996–97 National Soccer League season, was the 21st season of the National Soccer League in Australia.
Teams
| Team | Home city | Home ground |
| Adelaide City | Adelaide | Hindmarsh Stadium |
| Brisbane Strikers | Brisbane | Lang Park |
| Canberra Cosmos | Canberra | Bruce Stadium |
| Collingwood Warriors | Melbourne | Victoria Park Olympic Park |
| Gippsland Falcons | Morwell | Falcons Park |
| Marconi-Stallions | Sydney | Marconi Stadium |
| Melbourne Knights | Melbourne | Knights Stadium |
| Newcastle Breakers | Newcastle | Breakers Stadium |
| Perth Glory | Perth | Perth Oval |
| South Melbourne | Melbourne | Lakeside Stadium |
| Sydney United | Sydney | Edensor Park |
| UTS Olympic | Sydney | Belmore Oval |
| West Adelaide | Adelaide | Hindmarsh Stadium |
| Wollongong City | Wollongong | Brandon Park |
Season overview
It was contested by 14 teams, and Brisbane Strikers won the championship. Perth Glory and Collingwood Warriors entered the competition.League standings
Finals
Grand Final
Individual awards
- Player of the Year: Kresimir Marusic
- U-21 Player of the Year: Kasey Wehrman
- Top Scorer: David Zdrilic - 21 goals
- Coach of the Year: Branko Culina