As the NSW Swifts gear up for one of the biggest tests of their 2025 campaign so far, emerging star Sharni Lambden is embracing the challenge of facing the defending champions, the Adelaide Thunderbirds, in front of a fierce home crowd.
Fresh off back-to-back wins and growing in confidence with every appearance, Lambden is set to play a key role in what promises to be a high-intensity Round 3 clash.
“This game will probably go up another notch, especially against them (Thunderbirds),” NSW Swifts WD Sharni Lambden said.
The Thunderbirds’ slick and explosive style of play presents a unique challenge across the court – and Lambden knows exactly who she'll be lining up on.
“They've got really slick, fast centre court there, especially with Romelda in the back,” she said.
“I think I'll be coming up against Georgie Horjus, who's super impressive, a very dominant playmaker down that end. I’ll be trying to target her and stop her so they can get that flow down the court. She's super impressive, just with her movement and how smart she is.
“It'll take a whole unit defense to stop that and hopefully get some win some ball on the outside.”
Lambden’s rise has been one of the most exciting stories of the Swifts’ season so far. From training partner to contracted athlete, she’s already made a huge impact with her tenacity, intercepts, and relentless fitness.
“I’m feeling great coming off two wins so I think keeping that momentum, especially for myself too, to keep bringing that energy and keep doing what I've been doing the last two games, so hopefully I can keep building from each week,” she said.
“I'm just trying to back myself, use my strengths and take each game as it comes. Hopefully I can bring that up another notch each time I play.”
A key ingredient in Lambden’s early-season form has been her elite fitness, something she’s worked tirelessly to elevate over the off-season.
“I'm quite lucky that I’m naturally fit, but yeah, I took it up another notch this year just to really dig in and get fit and build strength from the gym and that shows on court too,” she said.
“That was definitely a goal for me because obviously I've been a training partner and been playing reserves and I feel like when you come into SSN it's like another step up.
“So I wanted to make sure that I can deliver and play well and run out a whole game if I do play a full 60 minutes. I think being fit and strong and powerful and building that into the game can show your strengths as well.”
The trip to Adelaide is never easy – especially with the Thunderbirds riding high and chasing a historic three-peat – but Lambden says the Swifts are focused on their own energy and execution.
“In any away game, any team that we play against, their fans are always pretty intense and it's really loud.
“Playing against Adelaide – who want to win that three peat and they never really lose at home – we just need to make sure that we do what we do and not get so caught up in it.
“And obviously bring energy within us and play our own game.”
The Swifts are hunting their third straight win – and their first over the Thunderbirds since 2022 – in what promises to be an electrifying showdown between two SSN powerhouses.
Don't miss Round 3: Swifts v Thunderbirds
4pm, Sunday 20 April
Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Watch on Foxtel, Kayo or Binge.
NSW Swifts
