About Lacrosse WA

1896

Lacrosse arrives in Perth. C. Atkins, part-owner of a sport store in Barrack Street, contacts two recently arrived eastern states players, Fred Parsons and Fred Wingrove. At a meeting at the United Service Hotel, they form Perth and Fremantle Lacrosse Clubs — the first two clubs in Western Australia.

1897

Two more clubs follow: Mercantile and Cottesloe (later known as Banks). The sport takes hold in Perth's growing population, which tripled in just a decade as gold prospectors flooded the city.

1898

Western Australia's first formal competition kicks off. Mercantile wins the inaugural premiership. Lacrosse also spreads to the Eastern Goldfields, with Kalgoorlie and Mines clubs competing — a competition that would run until 1914.

1899

East Fremantle Lacrosse Club is founded, becoming what is now the oldest continually operating lacrosse club in Western Australia, with over 125 years of history.

1965

The Men's National Lacrosse Carnival is held in Perth — the first time Western Australia hosts the national event. WA women are persuaded to form an association, entering what becomes the first Women's National Championship.

1984

Western Australia's women claim their first national title, establishing WA as a serious force in Australian women's lacrosse.

2011

WA Women break a 27-year national championship drought, defeating South Australia. Six WA players are named in the Australian All Stars team.

2012

WA Women defend their national title, defeating South Australia 20-5 in wet conditions. Six WA players again make the Australian All Stars.

2024

East Fremantle Lacrosse Club wins both the Men's and Women's WA State League Championships in the same season — a remarkable double. Three EFLC members have been named in World Teams over the years.

Today

Lacrosse WA oversees 7 member clubs competing each season from April to September. With Perth's fastest growing communities now home to clubs like Alkimos Pirates (est. 2018), the sport continues to grow across the city.