Reflections of an ex- president

​Leading Sturt Lacrosse Club—one of Australia's most historically successful clubs—has been an immense privilege. My vision for the club was deeply personal, shaped by my junior days at Glenelg Lacrosse Club. That experience taught me that the heart of a great club lies in its community.

​When I arrived at Sturt in 2018, the club was struggling. On-field slumps, the isolation of COVID, and the loss of our physical home due to clubroom redevelopment meant the community was struggling when I became president. I remember looking out on a Saturday night in 2023 and seeing only 3 to 4 families sitting around a single table. We had to rebuild the culture and honour the club's legacy before we could ever return to being champions.

​The Cultural Victory: From 10 People to a Microphone

​My leadership focused on one mantra: "Build it and they will come." We committed to reviving the Saturday night score announcements—the communal act of celebration and unity that defined my own youth.

​The transformation was astounding. By the 2025 season, the clubrooms were overflowing. I no longer needed to shout across empty tables; I had to use a microphone just to be heard over the buzzing crowd. That shift—from 4 families in 2023 to needing amplification in 2025—is the clearest metric of our success. We fixed the retention problem by rebuilding the community problem.

​This revival was mirrored off the field. Our Annual General Meeting attendance tells the same story: from just 10 people in 2018 to needing a microphone in 2025.

​Honouring the Past and Securing the Future

​The true measure of cultural restoration is respect for history. I was profoundly proud that we bridged a 10-year gap in Life Member recognition. Restoring this tradition was paramount to proving that loyalty and decades of service are deeply respected at Sturt.

​My proudest and most humble achievement was recognizing these eight pillars of the club's history: Paul Kernaghan, Cassie OConnor, John Hill, Chris DeMello, Dennis Hansford, Peter Forbes, Amelia Zander, and Ryan Stone.

​Meanwhile, our focus on culture has directly translated to competitive success for our juniors. As the coach of the U15 boys and U18 girls, I've seen this environment breed elite talent. This was validated in 2025 when two young athletes I coached, 1 boy and 1 girl represented their country in South Korea! This, along with having many young players in various representative teams, proves that the coaching pathways we established are strong. The ultimate goal of fielding a Women’s State League team is now within reach for next season.

​The Handover: A Gratitude for the Journey

​I stand down knowing I've left the club better than I found it. The honour roll is respected, the social scene is vibrant, and the talent pipeline is producing national-level athletes.

​I want to express my deepest gratitude. None of these achievements would have been possible without the tireless work of my committees. Their dedication, often behind the scenes, turned my vision into a reality. And of course, thank you to my family, who provided the unwavering support necessary to lead this club through its toughest years.

​I am excited for the future because the 2026 committee looks great. They are stepping into a club that is unified and structurally sound. I pass the baton, knowing that the hard, foundational work is done. The heart of Sturt is strong, and the champions are already being built.

​I look forward to returning to the role of a passionate supporter, who will always be in the clubrooms, waiting for the scores to be read.