The Adelaide-bred runner returned to her home state on Monday to win South Australia's richest foot race by upsetting local Zoe Kennedy in the 120-metre women's final.

Steinert, 24, ran off a 3.25m handicap on the Glenelg track to record a time of 13.90 seconds, the fastest women's run of the day, for her first Bay Sheffield title.

A stress fracture in her foot caused Steinert to miss the past three Bay Sheffields, but she fell just short of winning her previous attempt in 2006.

Two years ago Steinert moved to Maitland to link with coach Tony Fairweather and she has slowly rediscovered the form that led her to be named South Australian amateur athlete of the year in 2006.

"It was so good to come home and compete in front of my friends and family and make my mark again in a big way, with the Bay Sheffield being a very popular race," Steinert said.

Before the final Steinert was listed at $7 in betting markets to win, behind Kennedy ($1.20).

"I don't really listen to all that," Steinert said.

"I enter every race with the intention to win it, so when I was lining up I was aware she was the favourite, but I figured I wanted it really bad.

"I found myself in a good position early and knew towards the end I was the strongest girl out there speed-wise."

The victory was the ideal start to Steinert's summer season, which is likely to be the most important of her career so far.

The carrot dangling in front of her is a ticket to New Delhi for the Commonwealth Games next October.

To qualify for her pet event, the 400m, she must run a time of 52.30 seconds or better. Her personal best is 53.18.

After winning a spot on the Australian women's 4x400m relay team team for the world championships at Berlin in August, Steinert said she is ready to take the next step.

"Having that experience and then getting a consistent couple of months training after that, I'll massively improve," she said.

"I have to do the work, but I'm definitely confident that I can achieve that goal."