Fitzroy defeats Elizabeth 516-0 in Adelaide Footy League division six

A local SA footy club has recorded one of the biggest margins ever seen in the game at any level during round four of the 2024 season, with one forward booting nearly 30 goals.

A local SA footy club has recorded a record win in round four of the Adelaide Footy League season.

Division six club Fitzroy has notched a huge 82.24 (516) to 0 win over Elizabeth away from home in what is the biggest senior score and margin in league history.

Star forward Josh Rosenthal booted a huge club record 29 goals for the Lions, who sat in fourth position heading into the affair, the biggest individual goal return in the competition since Darren Mitchell booted 32 for Hope Valley in 2019.

Midfielder Dylan Richard also added 13 goals, while James Ellis had 17.

Fitzroy coach Darryl Cotter, a former A Grade premiership player with Elizabeth, said he was pleased by his side’s performance.

Josh Rosenthal kicks his first of 29 goals. Picture: Aaron Burgess

“Obviously the boys are very happy and we’ve now had a really good start to the year,” he said.

“We played a good team game, played to our structures and didn’t really have any individuals which was pleasing.

“It was a bit bittersweet, I’ve got a lot of love for my old club and they are in a tough position at the moment.

“We all want them to survive and want to help out as best we can and the boys were really humble about the win.”

Cotter said he was hoping his side, which now sits third on the ladder under Salisbury and Eastern Park, could use the momentum it had built to launch a finals charge.

“We want to use this momentum and continue to play the team game in the right way.

James Ellis hunts down one of his 17 goals. Picture: Aaron Burgess

“Hopefully if we can continue to do that and continue to build we can compete with the top sides and make finals.”

Local footy has already seen a number of record margins across Australia this year, sparking conversations around a mercy rule being introduced, with Elizabeth conceding 1,424 points through its first four games against Eastern Park, St Paul’s OS, Houghton Districts and Fitzroy.

The Eagles experienced an exodus of players shortly before the start of the season and are currently fielding one senior team.

The club told fans it was working to build into the future in a statement on Friday.

“It is true the A Grade is struggling but be assured the committee, volunteers and coaches at all levels are working hard to ensure the EFC has a successful year,” it said.

Fitzroy and Elizabeth players in a moment of reflection for domestic violence awareness before the game. Picture: Aaron Burgess

“We may not be able to measure that success in wins, but we can measure it in continuous improvement and growth.

“We also want to acknowledge and thank those players who made the decision to stand by the EFC and are pushing through whether that be a win or loss. We are extremely grateful to you.

“We are also working with local businesses in the Northern suburbs in an effort to see continuous improvement in the running of the club...but we cannot do this without the continuing support of all our members, which we are eternally grateful for.

“So be assured the EFC is looking to grow in 2025 and beyond.”

Fitzroy president Talal Kayal also wished Elizabeth well in a statement to fans.

“We must understand that wins and records like this come at the cost of the opposition who are currently struggling,” he said.

“Elizabeth FC have always been a proud and strong club who we have had many battles against over the past 30-plus years.

“There is a long road in front of them but we hope to see the Eagles fly high again very soon.”