Words: Matt Dorman
Image: Eastern Suburbs FC

Eastern Suburbs plan to bounce back better than ever after a fire gutted the canteen at their Heath Park home on the weekend.

According to Easts president Glen Brown, an electrical fault caused the fire on Saturday morning with full costs of damage yet to be determined.

“We’ve had effectively smoke damage throughout the entire clubhouse,” Brown said.

“All stock, food, drinks, alcohol, merchandise is probably going to have to be discarded.

“(The fire) also caused smoke damage throughout the whole ceiling roof cavity so all the ceiling is going to need to be replaced and possibly the entire roof.”

The inner-Brisbane club meet with insurers this week to learn what will be covered and whether there is a chance for the entire canteen to be rebuilt.

While the return of power to the club has allowed training and matches to go ahead this week, Easts last weekend leant on Redlands United to host their PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland fixtures.

Brown warmly appreciated the Red Devils coming to their aid.

“I was very thankful for Redlands’ efforts and support,” he said.

“It’s incredible. It’s times like this when old football rivalries go out the window and people just look to support.”

Despite joking he was next prepared for “famine or locusts” after Easts was hit hard by the 2011 Brisbane floods, Brown remained upbeat about the club’s prospects.

One ongoing boost has been the performances of their PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland Senior Women’s side, who lead the competition after seven matches.

“The NPL Women’s program is something we’re big supporters of, our senior team is going really well and coming first at this stage,” Brown said.

“The other three teams are struggling a bit but we’ll invest in that in the long term. Bit by bit we’re getting there.

“We made (the club) better last time from the floods, hopefully we can make it a little bit better this time.”