Big European clubs heading to Australian shores is nothing new. It's been happening for decades but the past five years has seen a multitude of tours.
Fulham & Wolves journey to Perth
English pair Fulham and Wolverhampton, both then in the Premier League, visited Perth in July 2009 for a series of games against Perth Glory and North Queensland Fury, with Robbie Fowler on board. In Fury’s 2-1 loss to Wolves, Fowler scored along with an Irishman called Andy Keogh, who’d later call Perth home. Fulham also travelled to Melbourne to play Victory.
Everton heads to Oz
The Toffees took on Sydney FC, newcomers Melbourne Heart and Brisbane Roar in a quick tour in July 2010. Everton won all three games with 40,000 fans turning out in Sydney, while crowds just below 20k went in Melbourne and Brisbane.
The Argies head Down Under
Buenos Aires powerhouse Boca Juniors took on Melbourne Victory and Wellington Phoenix in mid-2010. Only 13,000 fans turned out in Melbourne as the Argentines won 1-0, while the Phoenix attracted 11,751 fans in Wellington for a 2-1 win.
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