By Jordan Elsey
The 2018 FFA Cup run will always be a special chapter in my career. As a defender, scoring goals isn’t something you expect all that often, but during our Cup campaign, I managed to whip out the emu twice! To get on the scoresheet in those important matches was a rare and incredible feeling. Every goal meant something, and knowing that I helped the guys move closer to that trophy was something I’ll always cherish.
But, of course, the Final itself — that’s where the magic happened. The 2018 FFA Cup Final at Coopers Stadium was an experience like no other. As a footballer, you don’t get many opportunities to play in finals, let alone one at home in front of our incredible supporters. To be on that pitch at Coopers, knowing the history of the club and the importance of the game, was special. There’s something about playing at Coopers that’s unique. The atmosphere on a packed night is electric — it’s hard to put into words, but the roar of the fans is something you can feel deep in your bones. It was an unforgettable night, and the fans really were our 12th man.
The celebrations after the final whistle were pure joy. There’s nothing like winning a trophy, especially when you know how much it means to the fans. But the night didn’t end there. One of the moments that stands out the most for me was when I was handed the megaphone by one of the Red Army members. It wasn’t something I had planned, but when the opportunity came, I just went with it. You can’t help but get caught up in the excitement when you’re surrounded by such passionate supporters. The way they sang back to me, with so much energy and pride, made it an unforgettable experience. Leading the chant, hearing the fans roar, and celebrating with them — it was a moment that gave me chills. It felt like the perfect way to wrap up a magical night.
Unfortunately, I missed the next year’s final, but I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved as a team in 2018 and to duplicate the megaphone celebration was immense. To win the FFA Cup and see the joy it brought to our fans made it all worthwhile. Those fans — the Red Army — they deserve it. They’ve always supported us, no matter what, and it was so special to bring that Cup home for them.
Looking back on that Cup run and the Final, I can say without hesitation that it’s one of the best experiences of my career. Scoring those goals in the Cup run, playing in the Final at Coopers, lifting the trophy, and then leading the chant for the fans — it was all part of something that made me incredibly proud to be a Red. It was a night I’ll always remember, and one I’ll never take for granted. Thank you to all the fans for being there with us every step of the way. You made that victory even more special.
