Depth, Debuts, and Defensive Walls: Unpacking the First Three Rounds of the 2026 Lacrosse SA Women’s State

Peter Greenhalgh
May 11
4 min read

Sturt made it's return to State League against the North Eagles - Photo by Eagles Lax Photos

The 2026 Lacrosse SA Women’s State League season has wasted no time in establishing a high-stakes narrative. Through the first three rounds, we have seen the return of international stars, the emergence of a new club identity, and a clear message from the reigning heavyweights.

Here is the state of play as we head into the thick of the winter season.

The Gold Standard: Brighton’s Unrivaled Depth

If there were any questions about Brighton’s hunger this year, they were answered on ANZAC Day. Dismantling last year’s runners-up, Woodville, 12–1 in the opener was a statement of intent. Brighton’s greatest asset isn’t just their winning streak—it’s their terrifying depth. They are currently dominating the points tables, with six players in the top 10 for assists, proving they don’t rely on a single star to generate offense.

While the attackers get the headlines, the "Brighton Wall" is anchored by Adden (Addie) Cunningham in the cage. Having already navigated tough matchups against last year’s 2nd and 3rd placed teams, Brighton looks like a juggernaut that could almost field two separate State League rosters without losing a step.

Olivia Parker for Woodville tries to get one past Addie Cunningham - Photo by Eagles Lax Photos

The Sleeping Giant: Glenelg’s Star Power

Glenelg may have looked unconvincing in their Round 2 loss to Brighton, but don't let that fool you. The Seahawks are integrating a "host of stars," including Australian representative Chelsea Gilbert and arguably the nation's best current player, Hannah Gough.

With Jess Morrison still to return, Glenelg is using these early rounds to blood new talent, debuting Lara Scutchings, Charli Newmarch, and Mia Morton. Their 20–5 dismantling of Sturt in Round 3 suggests that once this mix of international experience and youth clicks, they will be a formidable challenger for the title.

The Recovery Mission: Woodville & Burnside

Woodville was admittedly "unhappy" with their Round 1 performance—a game plagued by unforced errors where they simply failed to fire. However, the Warriors are resilient. Led by the league’s leading goal scorer Olivia Parker (11 goals), they managed to scrape through a physical 6–5 win over Burnside in Round 3. This "shakeup" might be exactly what they need before they face their historical rivals.

Meanwhile, Burnside has proven that culture beats personnel changes. Despite losing loan players back to Sturt—including former Rookie of the Year Hannah Greenhalgh—the Bears haven’t missed a beat. Anastasia Araviakis remains the league’s premier "superstar" playmaker, keeping the Bears competitive in every "scrap" while youngsters Sophie Lively and Layla Balestrin make their mark.

The New Frontier: North Eagles & Sturt

The North Eagles celebrated a historic milestone in Round 1, securing their first-ever State League win with a 10–8 victory over Sturt. With Kiwi international Reese Jacques providing stability in the midfield and Zoe Renshaw proving to be a "wall" in the cage, the Eagles are transitioning from newcomers to a legitimate mid-tier threat.

At Sturt, success is being measured by metrics far beyond the scoreboard. Under the guidance of Charlotte Whinnen and her coaching staff, the Blues are celebrating the "win" of being back in the top flight. Mackenzie Appleton has been a standout since returning from Brighton, and the youth of Ava Gibson and Lylah Rennie provides a glimpse into a bright future. Though currently managing a "sore" roster and the loss of Greenhalgh to Glandular Fever, Sturt's ability to score classy goals against elite opposition shows they belong.

The Crystal Ball: Predictions After Round 5

As we look toward the completion of the first full rotation, the ladder is set for a significant shakeup. Here is how I see the standings looking after Round 5:

Brighton (5-0): Expect two more wins. They face a solid Burnside team next, followed by Sturt. While Burnside will make them work for it, Brighton’s depth should see them remain undefeated.
Glenelg (4-1): They should take a comfortable win over the North Eagles before heading into a "blockbuster" against Woodville. With their stars finding their rhythm, I expect Glenelg to edge out the Warriors in a high-scoring affair.
Woodville (3-2): A win over Sturt is likely, but their real test is Glenelg. Woodville has beaten Glenelg in the last two Preliminary Finals; however, with Glenelg’s new recruits, Woodville may drop this regular-season meeting.
Burnside (2-3): A tough loss to Brighton followed by a win over North Eagles will keep them firmly in the hunt for the Top 4.
North Eagles (1-4): Two tough games ahead. While they may struggle against Glenelg and Burnside, their focus remains on developing their talented young core.
Sturt (0-5): The schedule is unkind, with Woodville and Brighton up next. For the Blues, the "wins" will continue to be measured in quarters won and player development as they navigate the league’s heavy hitters.