Elizabeth Football Club boisterous despite tough start to 2024 AdFL season

A struggling local SA footy club and its passionate fanbase have been re-energised and look set to turn over a new leaf this year despite another tough loss.

Most footy fans would struggle to find their voice during a 169-point loss, but the Elizabeth Eagles remained as boisterous as ever on Saturday as the club marked a new chapter after one of its most challenging periods.

A week after their Adelaide Footy League record 516-0 loss to Fitzroy, the Eagles travelled to Adelaide Lutheran for their round five division six clash with the biggest supporting contingent they had seen so far this year.

The northern suburbs outfit had welcomed nearly 20 returning players as well as a number of new sponsors after its huge loss to the Lions and while a 30.15 (195) to 4.2 (26) loss was not the ideal result, it was one the nearly 100-strong blue and yellow army could be proud of.

Elizabeth captain Dylan Shapland chats with teammate Daniel Mitchell after the game. Picture: Brenton Edwards

“The past few weeks have been tough but to finally see a bit more depth and more support around the club has been absolutely amazing,” 27-year-old player and supporter, Jayden Watts said.

“Last week we had about 10 people watching the game so to have an away crowd like this and to have that vibe and culture back is great.

“We weren’t expecting a win but look, we’re on the scoreboard and we’re competing.

“There’s going to be continued improvement. Everyone is ecstatic at the moment.”

Eagles coach Matt Switala addresses his players at quarter time. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Jesse Cornish celebrates the first goal of the day for Elizabeth. Picture: Brenton Edwards

New coach Matt Switala, who took over the role from the departing John Lawrence last week, preached togetherness, enjoyment and high energy as the Eagles enjoyed their most competitive start to a game this season.

The Bulldogs kicked the first of the day but it was not long before Elizabeth replied, with Jesse Cornish slotting one home on a rebound attack to send fans into a frenzy.

The visitors would concede seven more for the term to head into the first break 8.2 (50) to 1.1 (7) down but they never gave up, competing hard in the middle and creating a number of chances to record a goal in each of the next three quarters – tallying their highest return so far this season.

The final score between Adelaide Lutheran and Elizabeth. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Rob McLean, who has been a player and then volunteer of the club for nearly 40 years, said coaches and supporters were proud of the effort and excited for the future.

“What we’re looking for on the field is just effort, commitment and enjoyment – just get the best out of each other and build from there,” he said.

“The players out there are all blokes with Elizabeth at heart who want to come back and help out, so there’s genuine enthusiasm and guys want to do the best they can.

“It’s great to see so many supporters out here as well because it lets the guys know the work they’ve done this year is thought about and appreciated.

Jayden Watts (back, standing) and fellow Elizabeth fans at South Parklands during the Eagles clash with Adelaide Lutheran. Picture: Brenton Edwards

“Right now it’s just about the enjoyment of footy, improving each week and making sure we have a club we can continue to come to and be proud of.”

The result keeps the winless Elizabeth side bottom of the ladder by percentage, just under Central United, who are also without a win and will clash with the Eagles at Argana Park this coming Saturday.

“It should be a really big weekend for us and we’re expecting a good turnout,” Jayden Watts said.

“It’s hopeful but all you can do is hope for a win and then try and produce one, so we’ll see.”