After a breakthrough Suncorp Super Netball season, versatile defensive midcourter Sharni Lambden has recommitted to the NSW Swifts for 2026.
The 26-year-old, who debuted for the Melbourne Vixens in 2024 before earning her first full-time contract in Sydney, has been one of the Swifts’ biggest success stories in 2025.
She debuted for the Club against the West Coast Fever in Round 1 and went on to play in every regular-season and Finals Series game.
A wing defence specialist, Lambden earned the attention of the netball world with her top-class athleticism and relentless circle-edge defence.
Head coach Briony Akle said Lambden had a very high ceiling and would return to the Swifts an even better player next season.
“This year Sharni showed what netball has been missing and now it is our job to elevate her to the next level.
“Sharni is exceptionally humble and her efforts are always 110% and I know she has the capability to be the best wing defence in the league.
“That comes down to belief and the onus is on us as coaches to instill it in her. Sharni’s Super Netball journey may have started later than other players in the league, but age is only a number and she still has her best years ahead.
“Her connections with our defensive unit and midcourters will only continue to grow and we cannot wait to see what she does next year.”
Lambden said 2025 had been a dream come true and is setting the bar high for 2026.
“After being in the netball pathway for over a decade I thought my chance may have passed me by but this year has been better than I could have imagined,” she said.
“I really want to thank everyone at the Swifts, as well as my family and partner, for supporting me in making the move to Sydney.
“I’m a Melbourne girl but I have found a second home here at the Swifts and I know we have the team to deliver another title for this amazing Club. We were in the race this year but fell short of what I know we can deliver so motivation won’t be in short supply.
“I have dreams that I want to realise like winning titles and playing international netball, but first and foremost I want to reward the Swifts for having faith in me.
“I’m looking forward to some down time before returning for pre-season and gearing up for a massive 2026.”
The Swifts will make further 2026 roster announcements in due course.
