Eastern Park, Chris Knapp defeat Elizabeth by 340 points in division six

A revitalised Adelaide Footy League club recorded one of the biggest wins in competition history over the weekend, with a returning star midfielder booting 22 goals.

An Adelaide Footy League club recorded its biggest ever win and one of the biggest in league history over the weekend to kick start its 2024 season.

Revitalised division six club Eastern Park kicked 55 goals against Elizabeth to beat the Eagles 55.17 (347) to 1.1 (7) on Saturday, with midfielder-turned-forward Chris Knapp booting 22.3.

The win was one of the biggest in league history and the biggest since Kilburn’s 67.35 (437) to 0.1 (1) loss to Pembroke OS, 63.29 (407) to 2.0 (12) loss to Unley and 54.23 (347) to 1.0 (6) loss to Seaton, all suffered in the 2014 season.

Knapp, a star midfielder who returned to the Demons from Loxton ahead of this season, made the move to the forwardline with his side down on key targets.

“To be honest, it was surreal,” Knapp said.

Chris Knapp in action for Eastern Park. He booted 22 goals in his return to the club. Picture: Supplied

“I’ve never really been part of a game like that before and 22 goals is definitely my best ever return.

“I usually play on the wing or through the middle but we had a few blokes pull out and I put my hand up to go up front.

“I was hoping to get on the end of a few.”

The club favourite did more than that, kicking just one goal in the opening term but adding 21 more through the next three.

With consistent and accurate delivery by his midfielders, Knapp was able to slot goals from inside and outside 50 in a performance he will never forget.

“The boys started having their way in the middle and lowered their eyes to find me,” he said.

Luke Smith (10 goals) and Chris Knapp (22 goals) had 32 goals between them against Elizabeth. Picture: Supplied

“I kicked 10 in the second and they sat an extra back on me at one stage so it took some really good ball-use by the boys.

“Once I started approaching 20 goals everyone was pretty engaged on the ground and the sidelines so it was a good feeling.”

The opening round win was an import one for Eastern Park after the club finished bottom of division five last season.

Knapp believed the side could do a lot of damage in division six this year.

“I think we’re a really strong side this year and the small ground at Eastern Park can be quite overwhelming,” he said.

“This is honestly the strongest I’ve seen the footy club bin a long time. We’ve had some decent recruits and returning players as well.

“We don’t have everyone available at the moment but we’re hoping to get back to full fitness soon and hopefully build some momentum after the big win.

“Internally we know we have the potential to be around the mark this season but we want to stay level-headed and take each game as it comes.”

The Demons will take on Houghton Districts at home this Saturday.