Flinders University Crabs end two-year losing streak, win first game in 693 days by beating Central United

They had lost 29 games in a row, including a 283-0 shellacking, and not won for 693 days. But now footy club Flinders University Crabs are celebrating after finally getting a victory.

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A struggling Adelaide Footy League club has won its first game in nearly two years.

Flinders University overcame a five-point quarter-time deficit and wet conditions to record a 14.13 (97) to 9.9 (63) home victory on Saturday, ending a losing streak that stretched back to August 5, 2017.

Since that previous success, the Crabs had lost 29 games by an average of 103.7 points, including sustaining a 283-0 shellacking against Marion in April last year.

So when the final siren sounded on Saturday, and the monkey was off the division seven club’s back, dozens of Flinders players, officials and supporters gathered in the change rooms for a rousing rendition of the club song — although “probably half” of the squad did not know it, according to Crabs president Dean Schofield.

Flinders University Crabs ended their two-year winless streak on Saturday. Players Riley Perry, Rhett Perry, Dean Schofield, Brayden Lane, David Moyle (captain) and Jordan Marsden. Picture: Tom Huntley

“That’s kind of why we got everyone in because there were quite a number of blokes who have been involved in the history of the club and wanting to see us to sing the song,” said Schofield, also a Flinders University player.

“It was quite emotional and there was a fair bit of relief from quite a number of people within the club.

“Halfway through the last quarter I was nervous and, as a defender, I kept just trying to make sure the ball was kept up the ground.

“The best part about it was we didn’t just fall over the line, we got a number of goals ahead and kept pushing, and stuck right at it through to the end.”

Flinders entered the match with a 0-10 record, while Central United was 6-4 and had beaten the Crabs by 43 points in their previous meeting this season.

Flinders University’s Brayden Croft (in blue) played in Saturday’s victory. Picture: AAP/Mark Brake

But Schofield had spent recent weeks confident a breakthrough win was around the corner, buoyed by increased numbers on the training track and players’ commitment to working hard for each other.

“There were times this year we were playing quite well but we’d have a five-minute lapse and the other team would get a kick on,” he said.

“Sometimes we could match it with good teams but we couldn’t do it for long enough, but yesterday we did.

“I’ve got a fair bit of pride with what the club’s achieved.”

Schofield hoped the team would take confidence from the result and it might be able to notch more victories this year.

“People have realised we’re capable of winning and the monkey’s off the back,” he said.

Schofield was thankful for those supporters, playing and officials who had stuck by the club.

“They have worked tirelessly to rebuild the club and get us back in the position we are now,” he said.

“We couldn’t have come so far without their continued support and contributions.”

Crabs coach Darren Vestris said his players had improved significantly throughout the year so the triumph “comes as no surprise”.

“The boys played with a lot of heart and desire to win,” said Vestri, a club life member and former player.

“It was a dominant win in those conditions and we were the better team on the day.”