Elizabeth Football Club hopeful of secure future after 516-0 loss

The Elizabeth Football Club has revealed its current situation and future outlook after a record Adelaide Footy League loss.

The Elizabeth Football Club has revealed its future outlook after its record 516-0 loss to Fitzroy in division six of the Adelaide Footy League last Saturday.

The division six club experienced a mass player exodus shortly before the start of the 2024 season and had a request to be regraded knocked back by the league before experiencing its worst ever start to a season, conceding a total of 1,424 points through its first four games.

Eagles football director Tim Young said the side’s results had been a challenge to overcome but that a significant influx of support had seen the club turn a new leaf since its massive loss to the Lions.

“The losses have been hard to take, but we’ve tried to stay upbeat and maintain our discipline,” Young said.

“Our opponents, while rightly taking advantage on the scoreboard, have been respectful and supportive.

Elizabeth football director Tim Young (right) with new coach Matt Switala. Picture: Elizabeth Football Club

“It’s obviously been emotional but we’ve actually had plenty of laughs along the way and now we are able to share some of those laughs with returning players and those who have joined us to help.

“We are very appreciative of all who have come forward in the past week to train – Tuesday night saw 35 people on the track. The massive contribution made by those players who have worn the guernsey so far this season will also not be forgotten – they are heroes to us.”

Among those returning to the club is former premiership captain Matt Switala, who will now take the reins as A Grade coach, replacing John Lawrence.

Young said the club was excited by the appointment.

“Matt has agreed to coach the club for the remainder of the year and understands our club and our people and has held coaching ambitions that have come to fruition a little earlier than anticipated.

“We would like to thank John Lawrence for his contribution as coach at an exceptionally tough time that has led to an unexpected amount of attention – It has been a largely thankless task, leading an undermanned team against superior opposition.

“We look forward with excitement to a new era with Matt at the helm.”

Elizabeth has remained positive about its future after a number of huge losses to start season 2024. Picture: Facebook

While Elizabeth has experienced one of its most challenging periods in club history, Young said the future outlook was positive for the Eagles.

He said the club was financially secure with a strong juniors program and was putting plans in place to build into the coming years.

“As a club we’ve been through a bit over the past six months and are looking at how we can improve – most importantly looking at our organisational and board structure, along with revisiting important club relationships.

“Our committee is working with players, volunteers, supporters and past players, along with the Adelaide Footy League, to ensure we have a future and culture that is competitive and supportive.

“This is not the first time we have struggled and we are not the first club to experience tough times, so we know what it takes to get past the hurdles.

“We thank everyone who has reached out – we have some exciting things happening, and we would also like to thank Adrian Watts and other committee members who have stood by the club and done the hard yards.”

Elizabeth will take on third bottom side Adelaide Lutheran away from home this Saturday.