The 2003-04 season was the final season of the NSL. 13 teams from Australia and New Zealand contested that season with the top six contesting a finals series.

It was South’s 28^th season of NSL football, having played in every season of the competition. It was also Adelaide United’s first season of NSL football. United was quickly established to replace Adelaide City who withdrew from the NSL following the 2002-2003 season.

Although Adelaide United was established in a rush the club shocked the footballing world with an impressive season both on and off the park. United would end up finishing 3^rd on the table to qualify for finals and attracted huge crowds throughout the season often exceeding 10,000 people.

South similarly performed on and off the field managing some of the largest crowds in the NSL and finishing the season in 5^th place to also qualify for finals.

After defeating Marconi across the two legs of the elimination final, South secured a Minor semi-final match up against Adelaide United at Hindmarsh Stadium.

Over 16,000 people were in attendance to watch the game including a large contingent of travelling South Melbourne fans. However, the Hellas fans would ultimately return to Victoria disappointed despite a promising start from their team.

South initially took the lead with a 12^th minute goal from Michael Curcija, however a 71^st minute equaliser from homegrown hero Ross Aloisi pushed the game into extra time.

After a tense extra time period at the 105^th minute Richie Alagich converted a penalty to secure the Adelaide United the win and knock out South from the finals series.

Adelaide would go onto lose to Perth Glory in the Preliminary Final but ultimately continued their national competition journey with admittance to the 2005-06 A-League competition. South on the other hand were dubiously dumped from national football and forced to effectively rebuild the club from the ground up.