The Next Level: Sturt Announces 2026 State League Men’s Coaching Panel

As the sun sets on another productive off-season at the Women's Memorial Playing Fields, there is a palpable sense of electricity in the air. For a club that has stood as a pillar of Australian sport since 1899, we know that history isn’t just something you look back on—it’s something you build upon.

Today, the Sturt Lacrosse Club is thrilled to announce the leadership team that will guide our State League Men into the 2026 season: Head Coach Sam Kilford and Assistant Coach Wendel Litchfield.

A Legacy in Safe Hands

The transition of Sam Kilford from the goal-crease to the head coaching role marks a milestone moment for the Double Blues. After years of being the vocal leader of our defense, Sam’s move to the sideline brings a "field commander’s" perspective to our tactical setup.

"I’m excited to build on the past growth of the team and continue to uphold the standards," says Kilford. "I'm looking forward to taking the club to the next level and achieving sustainable success."

For Sam, "sustainable success" isn't just about a single win; it’s about the culture of excellence that has defined the Blue Devils for 127 years.

The Return of a Club Coach from 2025

Complementing Sam’s modern tactical eye is the return of Wendel Litchfield. A man who understands the "Double Blue Pedigree" as well as anyone, Wendel’s appointment as Assistant Coach ensures that our fundamentals remain the best in the league.

"I’m excited to bring a defensive style with solid teamwork, a high tempo and great fundamentals to Sturt in 2026," Litchfield remarked.

From Finals Contenders to the Ultimate Prize

In recent seasons, the Blue Devils have proven they belong at the pointy end of the table. We have become a fixture in the finals, showcasing a resilience that would make our 1899 founders proud. However, "making the finals" is no longer the ceiling for this group—it is the floor.

The Committee is incredibly excited about this lineup because it addresses exactly what is needed to bridge the gap between "contending" and "conquering." With Sam’s vision for growth and Wendel’s focus on high-tempo fundamentals, the 2026 season is about transforming our consistent finals appearances into a sustained premiership threat.

A Message from the Committee

"We have full confidence in Sam and Wendel to lead this group," the Committee shared in a joint statement. "They represent the perfect blend of our storied history and our ambitious future. We’ve seen the hard work this playing group has put in over the last few years to keep us in the finals hunt. Now, with this new leadership, we are eagerly looking forward to seeing those results translate into silverware on the field in 2026."

Join the Charge

Whether you are a returning veteran, a rising junior, or a prospective player looking to join one of Australia's oldest and most prestigious clubs, there has never been a better time to wear the Double Blue.

Pre-season training dates will be announced shortly. Are you ready to take it to the Next Level?

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