Sharni Lambden's journey to a full-time Super Netball contract with the NSW Swifts is nothing short of inspiring. After almost a decade of hard work, setbacks, and stepping away from the game, Lambden is finally living her dream as a professional netball player. But behind her athletic success lies a surprising hobby that helps her navigate the ups and downs of her career: fishing.
"My partner Max loves fishing and got me into it, and I’m really grateful he introduced me to his hobby," Lambden shared. "It’s something we like to do away from netball and really rejuvenates me."
For 26-year-old Lambden, fishing isn’t just about catching fish; it’s a mental reset from the fast-paced world of professional netball.
"Netball is so on the go the whole time – it can get mentally exhausting," she explained. "You need to have something outside of netball to give you that mental reset. When I’m fishing, I can switch off from netball and be present with my partner Max."
Fishing offers her the perfect escape. "It was a beautiful day, so peaceful and calm, and a lot of fun, especially because we were catching a lot of fish. I love the ocean and the sun," Lambden recalled of one of her favourite fishing trips.
But beyond the relaxation it provides, fishing also mirrors the qualities needed to succeed in netball. Patience is key in both. Lambden draws a parallel between the two: "Fishing is a nice getaway from netball. Patience in netball and patience in fishing—sometimes you wait a long time before you get a bite, but when it comes, it’s worth it."
And the reward can be sweet. "My greatest catch was in Mallacoota with Max and one of his mates," she reminisces. "We were out on his boat super early, and suddenly a school of sharks arrived. I caught something super heavy—a massive school shark. That was the best day. We also caught some kingfish and made sashimi - so delicious and fresh. ."
The Wing Defence’s rise in netball has been anything but easy. Despite being a talented athlete with years of experience, she often felt like she was stuck on the fringes of the professional scene. "It was just that grind for the last eight to ten years, and to finally get that spot. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to be here," she reflects on securing her first full-time SSN contract with the Swifts.
Lambden’s perseverance was tested when she felt like her netball journey had plateaued.
"There was a moment when I was plateauing and wasn’t getting anywhere in netball, so I stepped away from the sport to figure out who I was. It took me six months to breathe, open my eyes, and figure out what I wanted to do outside of netball," she explains.
That time away ultimately helped her reconnect with her passion and refocus on the path that led to her opportunity with the Melbourne Vixens.
And that chance finally came after a standout performance when the Vixens beat the Swifts last season. Briony Akle, the NSW Swifts Head Coach, noticed Lambden’s potential and signed her for the 2025 season.
Training with elite players like Paige Hadley and soaking up their expertise has been pinch-me moment for Lambden.
"Sometimes I catch myself throwing a ball to Paige Hadley and I stop myself—THE Paige Hadley!" she laughs. "Being surrounded by them and learning from their game knowledge has really helped me grow."
As Lambden’s journey unfolds with the Swifts, her love for fishing remains an important part of her life. It’s her way to recharge and reconnect with what matters outside of netball. Whether on the court or out on the water, Lambden’s determination, patience, and ability to stay grounded will continue to shape her into the athlete—and person—she is today.
With a fresh start at the Swifts and a new chapter in her career, Sharni Lambden is ready to take on the challenges of the Suncorp Super Netball season, with the confidence that comes from both hard work and the calming waters of her favourite hobby.
NSW Swifts
