6,000 fans descend SA footy’s ‘Biggest Game of Div 12 Ressies 2.0’

Thousands of SA fans have flocked to watch footy icons, former AFL stars and social media influencers during ‘the biggest game of ressies ever’ in support of a struggling SA club.

Thousands of SA footy fans have flocked to the Elizabeth Football Club on Friday night as the Eagles hosted the Lockleys Demons ‘Div 12 Ressies’ and a number of former AFL stars in what has been dubbed ‘the biggest ressies game ever.’

A huge estimated crowd of 6,000 fans created an electric atmosphere at Elizabeth’s home ground, Argana Park as former AFL stars Andrew Jarman, Tom Jonas, Bernie Vince, and Daniel Motlop clashed in the Biggest Game of Div 12 Ressies 2.0.

The event, organised by Checkers, Srey and Jim of social media phenoms ‘Marmalade’ – who boast 126,000 followers on TikTok – was designed to build support for the embattled Eagles.

The club remains winless in division six of the Adelaide Footy League this season and lost to Fitzroy by a record score of 516-0 in round four.

John Platten, centre, with Checkers, left, and Srey from Marmalade at the Biggest Game of Div 12 Ressies 2.0 at the Elizabeth Football Club. Picture: Brenton Edwards

The night also featured influencers such as ‘Prime Train’ (Tom Baulch), Caden McDonald, ‘Shepmates’, Aaron Gocs, Andy Munro and Jarra Davis.

Former Elizabeth junior and Central District and Hawthorn legend John Platten, who coached the Eagles on the night, was grateful for the support the club received.

“It’s brilliant to have all these superstars out here at the club and so many people watching and showing support,” Platten said.

“It’s been a tough year so far but this is something really exciting for the club and for the area.

“We like to think it’s a family and community club so to have so many people, families, kids get involved is fantastic.”

Up to 6,000 local footy fans flocked to Argana Park for the Biggest Game of Div 12 Ressies 2.0. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Lockleys, coached by Port Adelaide ruck Jordon Sweet, started the fastest of the two sides with former Power excitement machine Daniel Motlop booting four of his five goals in the opening term.

Platten’s Eagles would respond through another former SA footy superstar however, with Andrew Jarman turning back the clock to kick multiple memorable goals and drag his side to the lead.

The hosts maintained the advantage through to the fourth quarter despite poor kicking, but would fall to more Motlop magic and a Checkers sealer in the final quarter, eventually losing 18.9 (117) to 16.20 (116).

Andrew Jarman celebrates one of his five goals. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Vince starred for Elizabeth off of halfback and Jonas was a standout across the backline for Lockleys, while Motlop and Jarman both finished with five goals.

“This ranks right up there with some of the standout games of my career,” Motlop said.

“It has been a lot of fun and the atmosphere has been sensational.”

Former Port Adelaide captain Tom Jonas takes a defensive mark for the Lockleys Div 12 Ressies. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Marmalade member and Div 12 Ressies player Checkers was thrilled with the event and the support the public showed for the Eagles.

“Srey actually used to play for the club and is a life member. He was telling us how they were tracking heading into the season and then the 516-point loss came so we thought if we were going to go back to Adelaide and play a game we’d do it at Elizabeth,” he said.

“Local footy has been everything for us so to be able to help support a club like Elizabeth, which has in the past been such a strong club, is great.

“They’re not strapped for cash but they’ve been pretty strapped for support so far this year so we’re hoping this night can help them turn things around.”