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Adelaide native futuristic the club floundered after a 516-point loss in which they failed to register a result.
Elizabeth Football Club topped the 82 goals scored by Fitzroy at Argana Park in the Adelaide Footy League’s sixth division on Saturday.
The final score of 82.24 (516) to 0.0 (0) sent shockwaves through the country’s local football community as all sorts of records fell on a horrific day for the Eagles.
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Josh Rosenthal scored a dazzling 29 goals, while James Ellis scored a whopping 17 and Dylan Richardson scored 13 of his own.
Ellis nearly broke the previous club record of 18 goals in a game, but was still 12 shy of Rosenthal.
The star forward’s effort was the most goals in the league since Hope Valley’s Darren Mitchell kicked 32 in 2019.
Fitzroy kicked 21 goals in the first quarter to take a 133 point lead into quarter time.
They pulled away with just 17 majors in the second term to lead 241-0 at the main break.
A lead of 369 at three-quarter time then turned into 516 by the final whistle after 24 goals in a painfully brutal final quarter.
In terms of playing time, Fitzroy scored more than a goal every minute.
In terms of back-to-back records, this is the largest senior score and margin in the competition’s history.
The Eagles are bottom of the Sixth Division table with zero wins and a percentage of just 2.13 per cent, with defeats of 347-7 against Eastern Park, 265-11 against St Paul’s and 296-13 against Houghton Districts.
Their four losses combined for a total loss of 1,393 at an average of 348 points per game.
And there will be more pain as Elizabeth play Ingle Farm, who beat Fitzroy by 28 points, in a few weeks time.
Fitzroy coach Darryl Cotter, who played A grade with Elizabeth, said the win was “bittersweet”.
“I love my old club very much and they are in a difficult position at the moment,” he said after the game.
“We all want them to survive and we want to help as much as we can, and the guys were really humbled to win.”
Fitzroy president Talal Kayal said the club hoped their rivals could get back on their feet soon.
“To say it was a record-setting game today is an understatement,” she said.
“We believe this could be the highest profit margin and highest score in the amateur league at the same time. It is also Fitzroy’s highest score.
“We also had the Fitzroy legend record of 18 goals broken by Josh Rosenthal who kicked 29.
“Congratulations to everyone involved from supporters, coaches, trainers and players.
“However, we have to understand that wins and records like this always come at the cost of the opposition who are currently struggling.
“Elizabeth Football Club we have always been a proud and strong club against whom we have had many battles over the last 30 years.
“They have a long way to go at the moment, but we hope to see the eagles flying again very soon.” Well done to those who continue to perform week after week, you have our support.”
On Friday, Elizabeth poured cold water on reports that the club was in danger of collapsing at the end of the season.
It was reported that they suffered a mass exodus of senior players at the end of pre-season and asked for the league to be relegated to a tier below, but were refused as the fixtures were already fixed.
“It is true that (the senior team) is struggling, but rest assured that the committee, volunteers and coaches at all levels are working hard to ensure that EFC has a successful year,” it said.
“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 recognize and thank those players who have made the decision to stand by the EFC and continue, win or lose. 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 continued support of all our members, for whom we are eternally grateful.
“So rest assured that EFC is looking to grow in 2025 and beyond.”
Despite the 516-point loss, a group of former Elizabeth players celebrated the result as a positive.
“This is not a failure. This. E. A. Heartbeat,” said a post from the group’s administrator.
“It’s a bunch of lads who do their best to keep a football club alive and strong.
“These men are the future, right now, of Elizabeth Football Club. To play with them, to give themselves there, they give a future to this club.
“It’s time for those ex-players who can get to the club and show their support for these guys, let them know we appreciate them keeping the flame alive.
“Go to a workout, a meal, or a game. Show your support however you can.
“We are Elizabeth, we are the team and we will not be defeated.”
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