Eastern Park star Chris Knapp boots 42 goals in first three games of 2024 Adelaide Footy League season

A star local SA footy utility has set a career high in goals just three games into the 2024 season and looks set to smash the 100-mark in record time.

A star local SA footy utility has smashed his career high in goals kicked just three games into the season and is on record pace to reach the 100-mark.

Eastern Park gun Chris Knapp has booted 42 goals through the first three games of the Adelaide Footy League division six season, tallying 22 against Elizabeth, five against Houghton Districts and 15 against Adelaide Lutheran.

The midfielder/forward utility returned to the Demons this season after time with Loxton and has already surpassed his previous career high of 35 while leading his side to top spot on the ladder.

“It would obviously be nice to notch up a milestone of 100 goals in a season but it would mean nothing to me if we aren’t performing well as a team,” Knapp said.

Chris Knapp in action for Eastern Park. He has booted 42 goals in three games to start the season. Picture: Supplied

“There has been a bit of noise about it lately but I’m fully focused on what we can achieve as a team and I wish there was a bit more talk about the path we’re on.

“I’d much prefer to win the premiership over kicking 100 goals and I’d be happy to not kick another one this season if it meant we continued on our winning ways.”

Knapp has played the majority of his local footy career as a strong and efficient midfielder but has been playing as a forward more often in 2024 since returning to Eastern Park and taking the place of injured teammates up front in round one.

He booted 22 majors in that game, overwhelming defenders with his strength and footy smarts, guaranteeing himself consistent time inside 50 for the rest of the season.

Knapp credited his teammates for his success so far.

“The team has been fantastic and we played really well again on the weekend against Adelaide Lutheran,” Knapp said.

Chris Knapp lines up a shot for the Demons. Picture: Supplied

“Our work around the contest and excellent ball use through the middle of the ground makes it easier for the forwards to look good.”

The Demons have been on fire to start their 2024 campaign after suffering relegation down to division six at the end of last year.

The side has won its games against Elizabeth, Houghton Districts and Adelaide Lutheran by a combined 642 points to build a healthy percentage of 91.90.

Knapp believed the club could go all the way in 2024 if it continued to execute, with a tough test against reigning division seven premier Ingle Farm coming up this weekend.

“The sky is the limit for the team at the moment.

“The group is growing every week and although the majority of us have played 100 to 150 games together, which is a positive, we are still learning more about each other as the weeks go by.

“We’ve got a good test against Ingle Farm this week and the boys are focused on doing everything in our power to produce another win.”