It’s been a ride full of ups and downs, but Reds defender Jordan Elsey proudly played game number 100 last weekend
Para Hills product Jordan Elsey is Adelaide United through and through. The 25-year-old has had to overcome hardship along the way, but last weekend he celebrated his 100th game for the Reds.
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Jordan Elsey recalls being a raw 16-year-old when his Adelaide United rollercoaster began.
Plucked from the former SA Sports Institute program, the SA-born talent joined the Reds youth team and made his A-League debut against rival Melbourne Victory four years later.
But that’s where the commanding centre back’s career stopped following the script.
“You can never forget that,” said Elsey, of his first-team breakthrough in front of 16,504 fans at Hindmarsh Stadium on October 18, 2013.
“It was a lot of hard work getting there, not only from me but from my mum and dad, and it was a great moment for me and my family.
“But it’s been a bit of a long journey since.
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“I always had ambitions to play overseas, but they got stalled a bit with my injuries and I’ve definitely had some hard times.
“But I’ve enjoyed all my moments and I’m looking forward to more.
“I’m becoming a more experienced player now, but you never stop learning.”
Elsey came off the bench for his maiden first-team outing, as Adelaide threw away a two-goal lead thanks to now Reds midfielder James Troisi’s stoppage-time equaliser.
But his progress was cruelly curtailed by two knee reconstructions and dual broken wrists in the three campaigns that followed.
The 198cm stopper’s quality and perseverance was rewarded last weekend against Perth Glory, when he finally racked up his 100th United appearance in all competitions.
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“I never really go down that path of quitting,” Elsey, 25, said.
“Having the taste of first-team experience and knowing what it’s like to play A-League helped me to get back from my injuries.
“I wouldn’t know what to do if I did pack it all in.
“I’ve grown up playing (soccer) since I was four, so I’m not just going to throw it away for an eight-month injury.
“You’ve got to look at the picture, rather than the short-term.
“I was always happy at the Reds and I still am happy.”
The boyhood United fan was a key figure in the club’s back-to-back FFA Cup triumphs.
He also played 17 matches in Adelaide’s run to the 2016 A-League title, before unluckily losing his starting spot for the epic grand final win over Western Sydney.
Elsey chuckled at his loan move to top flight Hong Kong side Kitchee three years earlier.
The spell was cut to a fortnight by then coach Josep Gombau due to Anthony Golec’s mid-season departure.
Elsey scored his first A-League goal against Brisbane Roar a week later.
“It’s funny how things happen in football,” the Para Hills product said.
Elsey still harboured ambitions of a future return to play in Asia.
But he remained committed to United as it bids to end its current four-match losing streak, ironically at home to Victory on Friday night.
“With our form slump it’s a very important game for us and Adelaide as a city, so we’re looking forward to it,” said Elsey, contracted to the Reds until the end of next campaign.
“If we go into the match being fearful we’ll definitely lose, but every player knows about this rivalry and they know how big this game is.”