 Ahead of the 2016–17 season, Elphick was appointed as the club's new captain.It came after when Birmingham Mail urged the club to appoint Elphick as the new captain, due to his inspiration towards his teammates and the way he connects well with the club's supporters.Elphick made his Aston Villa debut (as well as captain), in the opening game of the season, in a 1–0 loss against Sheffield Wednesday.