Fast-paced future: Australian lacrosse Olympic hopefuls in SA
Australia’s Olympic hopefuls will gather in Adelaide next week as lacrosse accelerates toward an exciting new era.
The Major League Sixes national lacrosse tournament would be held at Marden Sports Complex from November 13 to 15, showcasing a dynamic display of speed, skill and athleticism.
The fast-paced, high-scoring Sixes format, which was set to feature at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, was designed to attract new audiences while retaining the sport’s competitive spirit.
The action-packed format is Lacrosse’s version of T20 cricket, condensing the traditional setup into a faster, spectator-friendly version.
The hometown Adelaide Redbellies would send their drafted men’s and women’s squads to take on the Sydney Seahawks, Brisbane Salties, Melbourne Makos, and Perth Manta Rays across the three-day event.
The competition would feature many of Australia’s top national squad athletes along with several international players, offering fans a peak lacrosse viewing experience.
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Co-hosting the event is Commonwealth Gold-winning Hockeyroo Georgie Parker, who played lacrosse as a junior before switching to hockey.
Parker was regarded as a role model, and her involvement exemplified the strength of grassroots lacrosse as the sport continues to grow nationwide in Australia, Lacrosse Australia director Tim Kennedy said.
“This event is more than just a championship; it is a celebration of where lacrosse is heading,” Kennedy said.
“The Sixes format represents the future of our game at the Olympic level, and it is fantastic that so many of our elite athletes will get to showcase their talent at this event.
“The momentum across the country is undeniable, and the appetite for lacrosse has never been stronger in Australia.”
For Adelaide Redbellies player Ashtyn Hiron, the tournament showcased the development of local talent, as the game’s popularity continued to expand.
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“It is incredible to see the Sixes format growing so quickly. Everyone is embracing the fast-paced style of play, and it is capturing the attention of fans around the world,” she said.
“As we look toward LA28, and hopefully Brisbane 2032, there is a real buzz around lacrosse in Australia.
“Whether you are a lifelong lacrosse supporter or brand new to the game, Major League Sixes will leave you inspired.”
In addition to the action on the field, the event would commemorate the sport’s rich history, with the Australian Lacrosse Hall of Fame being inaugurated.
A celebration of the sport’s 150-year history in Australia, the class will acknowledge 21 of the most prominent figures with a formal ceremony and dinner on Friday, November 14.
Jen Adams, regarded as one of the greatest women’s lacrosse players of all time, would be one of nine South Australians inductees.
Additionally, Lacrosse Australia would celebrate the Girls and Boys squads that won gold at the Under 16 championships in South Korea earlier this year, as well as the 1995 Under 19 and 2005 World Champion women’s teams.
The three-day event will feature community activities too, ranging from a celebrity showcase match to family-friendly competitions and an opportunity for spectators to try Quickstix, the sport’s newest all-ages format.
“We want Australians to see that lacrosse is not only a high-performance sport but also one that welcomes participation at every level,” Kennedy said.
