Our History
Historical Photo of Brighton Players circa 1970
State League Men’s Grand Final 2025
Our History
A legacy of excellence since 1929
In the heart of Brighton, a story began in a quaint tea shop on Old Beach Road, opposite the original Brighton Railway Station. Here, in 1929, the seeds of Brighton Lacrosse Club (BLC) were planted, marking the start of an extraordinary journey. The club was formed with just 8 people present. The following co-Founders were appointed:
President: Herschel (Dickie) Clare
Secretary: Ray Sexton
A team was selected and placed in the B Grade and Ray Sexton was elected Captain. Brighton played its first match on the 3rd of May 1929, losing to Port Adelaide 12-3. Not one match was won that year but improvement occurred the next year. In 1930 Brighton won it’s first match again University, 5 goals to 4.
After being regraded Brighton won both the C and D Grade (under 16) premierships and then in `935 the B Grade Premiership. By 1936 the club was playing in A Grade and it wasn’t until 1937 that Brighton won its first A-grade premiership and to prove it was’ no flash in the pan’, the A Grade team repeated the feat in 1938, 1939 and 1940.
Our humble beginnings
In 1937 the club had 75 playing members, whose ages ranged from 10 years to 35 years and at the time the club president, Mr H.R. Horwood, induced the Brighton Council to provide a grassed area at the oval on which the game could be played. The first ‘club house’ or changing facilities was situated somewhere in the vicinity of King George Avenue and Wattle Ave, Hove (approximately 1km from where the club rooms sit today). A wooden shed was transported to the site using a truck and water was supplied by a hose connected to a tap at the neighbours house behind. Thus cold showers were available per courtesy of the next door neighbour!
Brighton’s home ground was an open paddock situated approximately between Addison Road and Shephard Street (125m west of Winton St). This ground was used until 1940 when matches were suspended because of the war.
The Club’s next phase blossomed through the dedication and teamwork of our members. Through tireless fundraising and community spirit, that simple shed was transformed into a home – a place where champions are made and friendships are forged. The current location of the club on Highett Ave, Hove was established and the new club rooms were built in 1960* (check date!).
The original clubrooms on it’s official opening day 22nd April 1961 and was a memorial to those members of the club who fell in the war.
The updated club as it stands today & below in 2019 before the club was demolished.
Junior Program was one of the success keys
Dudley Hamilton started playing lacrosse in 1939 aged 10 but with the onset of WW2 lacrosse effectively went into recess in many parts of the world, including Adelaide. Dudley attributed the success of Brighton at the most senior level after WW2 to Ken Francis. Ken was one of the clubs founders who went to local schools to recruit juniors and was one fo the key driving forces to recruit and develop juniors and at that time there was a real village atmosphere, similar to that of Williamstown in Victoria.
Life Member, Des Edwards recalls “I believe one of the reasons behind the success of the club on and off the field during this period (50-70’s) came through a lot of effort put in by members, firstly concentrating on juniors. A few members in this group included Ken Francis, Fred Melbourme, Geoff Arnold, Dudley Hamilton and the person with the most input, Brian Neill.
Fred, Geoff and Ken did a lot of work in the high schools in the district and Brian’s efforts at the club with the juniors was epic! This all started before my time, but the club has always had a strong junior program as long as I have been a member.”
As part of the Brighton Lacrosse Club History, our State League Women and Men’s teams have illustrated their prowess, accumulating numerous premierships and grand final appearances, reflecting our club’s enduring excellence in lacrosse.
Newspaper Article 1968 – discussing BLC’s Junior Development
Brighton Men's Lacrosse Team Success
As part of the Brighton Lacrosse Club History, our State League Women and Men’s teams have illustrated their prowess, accumulating numerous premierships and grand final appearances, reflecting our club’s enduring excellence in lacrosse.
The men’s team has paralleled this success, showcasing their prowess with 47 Grand Final appearances since the clubs inception in 1929. Winning 29 A Grade premierships. This included 14 premierships between 1961 and 1978 and an incredible 7 consecutive premierships from 1968-1974. This impressive tally a testament to their skill, strategy and the enduring spirit of lacrosse in South Australia. In the 2000’s the men’s team appeared in 17 grand finals with a total of 9 wins, including 2024 (in which the League Women also won their grand final, their 7th in a row).
This golden era for Brighton Lacrosse Club is more than a tally of victories; it’s a story of resilience, teamwork, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Our club’s journey in the new millennium is not just about winning matches; it’s about setting new standards and leaving a lasting legacy in Australian lacrosse.
(Above) Both of Brighton’s State League Women’s and Men’s team won the premiership in 2024.
(Below) – Brighton v Glenelg in 2026
Brighton Women's Lacrosse Team Success
In 1964 the high school competition for girls consisted of Seacombe, Brighton, Marion and Plympton High Schools, as well as an A and B Grade competition in the AWLA. In 1967 Brighton formed its first Women’s A Grade Team but it wasn’t until 1999 that it won its first premiership, which was the start of many grand final appearances and premierships. The 1964 results show 2 Brighton A Grade Teams (Gold and Black). In 1967 Brighton ‘s A Grade team lost the grand final to Seacombe (2-3), however reversed the situation in 1968 by defeating Seacombe (4-3).
At the 1983 AGM, it was agreed that the Brighton Women’s Lacrosse Club would amalgamate with the Brighton Lacrosse Club.
Our State League Women’s team has been a formidable force, dominating the field with 28 Grand Final appearances in 29 seasons (since 1997). In this time, they have clinched an astounding 17 premierships, showcasing a level of dominance rarely seen in the sport. This era has been marked by not one, but two extraordinary streaks of triumph, including a remarkable run of eight consecutive premierships, culminating in 2025. This series of victories is not just a remarkable record; it’s a testament to the indomitable spirit and unwavering determination of our women athletes, etching their names in the annals of sports history.
Photos – from the top:
2004 Brighton League Premiers; Brighton v Woodville in the Grand Final 2025; 2024 State League Women’s Premiership Winners v Woodville.
Seacombe merger
In 1994 Seacombe was unable to field an A Grade team and many of their A Grade players merged with Brighton to form the Stingrays in A Grade, coached by Brett Cope. They finished fourth that year and in 1995 finished 2nd. Seacombe folded at the end of 1995 and the Stingrays became the Brighton A Grade team, which included several Seacombe players, with most of the remaining Seacombe players also moving to Brighton.
The Heart of BLC
Our club is more than just lacrosse. It’s a community where players, families, volunteers, and supporters come together, creating a legacy of success and camaraderie. This blend of on-field triumphs and off-field bonds has crafted a uniquely family-friendly atmosphere at BLC.
Celebrating our Community
Several nights a week, our clubrooms buzz with life. Families, friends, supporters, and even our friendly rivals gather, sharing stories and laughter. At BLC, generations converge – from energetic children to supportive grandparents, all united by their love for lacrosse and community.
Stay Connected
Don’t miss our latest adventures, results & achievements – follow us on Facebook & Instagram to keep up with the BLC story. And if you’re interested in becoming a part of the BLC family