NPL Round 1 - Capalaba v's Eastern Suburbs

After the jubilation of a 2-0 win over to Logan Lightning in August, a match which ensured Capalaba FC’s promotion to the NPL, everyone’s expectations and attention now shifts to the commencement of the 2020 season proper that takes place at home on Saturday 8th February.

Off the field, Capalaba have had an extremely busy off-season, working hard to put the systems in place to ensure that their tenure in the National Premier Leagues is one of longevity and consistency. The appointment of long term Brisbane Strikers coach, mentor and football director, David Large to the role of Football Director and the establishment of a Junior NPL academy high among the off-season achievements, Capalaba is well placed to ensure that goal is achievable over the coming years.

The 8th of February is a momentous day for the Club as It marks a journey of some 48 years to the pinnacle of semi-professional football competition in the State of Queensland. From humble beginnings in 1972, through to 2020 it has been an upward progression through the various leagues, culminating in arriving in the 2nd tier of football in Australia.

The achievement of making it to this level is the result of hard work, dedication and blood, sweat and tears from many selfless volunteers, from the very first members in 1972 through to the modern day members. Every single person that has been involved through this journey - whether it be as a player, a coach, a volunteer, a Committee member, or as a supporter, this achievement is something each and every person should be proud of and shout from the rooftops “I am a Bulldog”.

Round 1 of the 2020 National Premier Leagues season will see Capalaba FC pitted against a true local rival in the form of Eastern Suburbs, a team that Capalaba has a long history with. Round 1 also marks the return of the Salvation Shield.

What is the Salvation Shield?

The Salvation Shield was borne out of the devastation of the 2011 Brisbane floods that resulted in the clubhouse and fields of Eastern Suburbs Football Club being severely impacted.

Geoff Hurford, who at the time, coached at Easts and Captained our Men’s senior team, put the call out for support. All rivalries were swiftly put to the side, as members of both clubs worked together tirelessly to clear, clean and restore some semblance of normality to Easts Football Club. It was a show of solidarity, mate-ship and camaraderie that transcended on-field rivalries.

From this bond, the Salvation Shield was born.

A season-long inter-club competition that involves the top men’s and women’s teams across their regular season home and away rounds, the Shield is awarded to the club who achieves the highest aggregate points across the season.

The Salvation Shield has not been played since 2018, when Eastern Suburbs gained promotion to the NPL ahead of the 2019 season.

Rivalries can now resume.

With the significance of Capalaba’s debut in the NPL, and the return of the Salvation Shield, all members are urged to get down to the Kennel on Saturday evening to witness history being made again for Capalaba FC.

Capalaba FC president, Jason Ganter commented “It’s great to be competing against our great friends and rivals, Easts again in the same competition. The opportunity to revive the long held traditional clash between Easts and Capalaba, known as the Salvation Shield, is a fixture on the NPL/NPLW Calendar that we are extremely excited and proud to be a part of. The fact that both Club’s have a commitment to provide elite football for men and women, makes the Shield even better. These are the nights we look forward to.”

When asked what it meant to the Eastern Suburbs Club, Easts Club President Glen Brown said “When the call went out to the SEQ football community in the wake of the devastation of the 2011 floods, Capalaba were right there beside us mucking out, cleaning up and giving up their time and resources after our Club was decimated. Their support and generosity in that time of need was warmly and graciously received by the Easts football community and deserved some recognition. The Salvation Shield was born. The Clubs have played for the Shield 5 times now, with Easts proudly claiming the title four out of those five times. As much as Capalaba would love to win the Shield, we won’t be giving it up without an almighty fight. As strongly as each club wants to win this Shield, it is what club football is all about and and there isn’t a better club to compete against”.

You were there for promotion - Be there for the debut!

BE BRAVE! BE PROUD! BE A BULLDOG!