Eastern Park star Chris Knapp boots goal 100 for season 2024

A star local SA footy utility has kicked 100 goals in a season for the first time in his career. Watch the goal and the celebrations.

A star Adelaide Footy League utility has kicked his 100th goal of the 2024 season with just one game remaining in the minor round.

Eastern Park midfielder and forward Chris Knapp bagged five majors against undefeated division six leader Salisbury on Saturday to reach 100 goals in a season for the first time in his career.

The 30-year-old has had a dominant season in a number of roles for Eastern Park since returning from Loxton in the Riverland FL to help the Demons to a top two finish in the division.

Knapp needed five goals during his side’s loss to the Magpies at home on Saturday and managed to kick his fifth on a set-shot from a slight angle.

He became the third division six player to achieve the feat this year after Eastern Park teammate Shawn Mansell and Fitzroy gun Josh Rosenthal, and the fourth Adelaide Footy League player with Daniel Weetra also reaching the milestone for Para Hills in division seven.

Chris Knapp in action for Eastern Park. Picture: Supplied

“It was a bit bittersweet to be honest because I would’ve preferred to do it in a win against the top side but it was still pretty surreal,” Knapp said.

“It was a great feeling when everyone ran on to celebrate with me and my five year old daughter and partner also ran on to the ground to congratulate me which was a really great moment.”

Knapp, who claimed the top spot in our top 40 division six and seven players of the year, has been at his best since returning to Eastern Park, producing dominant performances on the ball and also moving into the forwardline to boot big goal totals almost every week.

He said he had enjoyed being able to fill a number of needs for the club.

“It has been a bit of a balancing act,” Knapp said.

“Some opposition I can get off the chain a bit against when I’m on the ball but I’ll often push up front if I’m being heavily tagged in the middle.

“I’ve definitely enjoyed having that luxury and I’ll try and continue doing it for as long as the body holds up.”

Chris Knapp (right) after he kicked 22 goals against Elizabeth this year. Picture: Supplied

The Demons have had a strong season in division six after struggling last year and sit second below Salisbury.

They will face Central United before entering the finals with a double chance and Knapp believed his side would benefit from the recent experience against the Magpies when push comes to shove.

“They’re very well drilled and they really took it to us on our own deck so they’re probably the benchmark right now,” Knapp said.

“I think the loss was a bit of a reality check for us but in a positive way. We’re already putting into practice some of the things we took away from the game.

“I’m definitely still confident we can go all the way if we bring our A Game each week.

“We’re coming for it all.”