 After being dropped for one match, Elphick then scored two goals in two matches between 25 August 2012 and 1 September 2012 against Preston North End and Sheffield United.Having made an impact, Elphick established himself in the starting eleven in the first team by forming a central defensive partnership with Miles Addison and then Steve Cook.Following Addison's injury, Elphick was appointed captain for the whole season and captained in handful of league appearances until in a match against MK Dons on 2 February 2013, Elphick was involved in a lunge with Ryan Lowe that saw both players off the pitch, with Elphick substituted and Lowe being sent–off; and Bournemouth went on to win 3–0.