Lamb's Football Journey: From Diamond Creek to AFLW Stardom
The trajectory of a professional athlete is often defined by persistence and a willingness to embrace the physical demands of the game. For Lamb, a powerhouse in Australian rules football, this journey began in the junior ranks and evolved into a decorated career in the AFL Women's (AFLW), the premier professional competition for women in Australia.
Early Career and the VWFL/VFLW Era
Lamb's competitive foundation was built after moving from the Yarrambat Junior Football Club in 2009. She joined the Diamond Creek Women's Football Club, where she became a mainstay of the team, appearing in over 150 games. Her impact was immediate and significant, particularly during the 2012 season in the Victorian Women's Football League (VWFL).
In 2012, Lamb played a pivotal role in securing Diamond Creek's first-ever VWFL premiership. Her performance in the Grand Final at Box Hill City Oval, where Diamond Creek defeated Darebin by five points, earned her the Lisa Hardeman Medal, awarded to the player adjudged best afield.
Despite further appearances in the 2014 VWFL Grand Final and the 2017 VFL Women's (VFLW) Grand Final—the successor league to the VWFL—Lamb and Diamond Creek faced repeated defeats at the hands of Darebin. However, these high-stakes matches prepared her for the professional leap to the national stage.
Rise with the Western Bulldogs
Lamb entered the professional ranks in the 2016 AFLW draft, selected by the Western Bulldogs as the 18th pick (138th overall). She made her debut in the opening round of the 2017 season during a 32-point victory over Fremantle at VU Whitten Oval. Her start was marked by a brief setback when she accepted a one-game suspension for rough conduct against Akec Makur Chuot.
By 2018, Lamb had established herself as an essential component of the Bulldogs' roster. She played every game of the season and finished third in the club's best and fairest count. This dedication culminated in a premiership victory against Brisbane at Ikon Park, where she recorded 12 disposals and eight tackles in a tight six-point win.
Peak Performance and Individual Accolades
Lamb's career reached new heights between 2021 and 2022. In 2021, she finished as the runner-up in the club's best and fairest count and earned her first league best and fairest vote during a victory against Carlton. She reaffirmed her commitment to the club by signing a contract extension on June 16, 2021.
The 2022 season (Season 6) served as her breakout year. Recognized as a "tough midfielder," Lamb achieved several prestigious milestones:
- Selection in the All-Australian team (the league's best players across all clubs).
- Winning the AFLPA Most Courageous Player award.
- Tying for first place with Ellie Blackburn in the Western Bulldogs' best and fairest count.
- Finishing fifth in the AFL Coaches' Champion Player award.
- Placing equal-13th in the league's best and fairest count with nine votes.
Despite significant interest from St Kilda in April 2022, Lamb chose to remain loyal to the Western Bulldogs for another season. However, ahead of the 2024 season, she was traded to Port Adelaide as part of a complex 11-club trade.
Key Facts
- Premierships: Won the 2012 VWFL premiership with Diamond Creek and the 2018 AFLW premiership with the Western Bulldogs.
- Individual Honors: Recipient of the Lisa Hardeman Medal (2012) and the AFLPA Most Courageous Player award (2022).
- Elite Recognition: Named to the All-Australian team in 2022.
- Career Longevity: Played over 150 games for Diamond Creek before transitioning to the AFLW.
- Current Status: Traded to Port Adelaide prior to the 2024 season.
Career Statistics (2017–2022)
The following table summarizes Lamb's performance during her tenure with the Western Bulldogs through the end of Season 6.
| Season | Games | Goals | Behinds | Disposals (Avg) | Marks (Avg) | Tackles (Avg) | Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 10.3 | 1.0 | 3.3 | 0 |
| 2018 | 8 | 0 | 2 | 12.8 | 2.0 | 5.4 | 0 |
| 2019 | 7 | 0 | 2 | 14.0 | 3.4 | 6.1 | 0 |
| 2020 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 13.6 | 3.2 | 4.3 | 0 |
| 2021 | 9 | 2 | 3 | 18.0 | 4.1 | 6.0 | 5 |
| 2022 | 10 | 6 | 3 | 18.7 | 2.7 | 3.4 | 9 |
| Career | 46 | 15 | 13 | 15.1 | 2.8 | 4.8 | 14 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which clubs has Lamb played for throughout her career?
Lamb began her journey at the Yarrambat Junior Football Club, played over 150 games for the Diamond Creek Women's Football Club, spent several seasons with the Western Bulldogs in the AFLW, and was traded to Port Adelaide ahead of the 2024 season.
What are Lamb's most significant individual awards?
Her most notable individual honors include the Lisa Hardeman Medal in 2012, the AFLPA Most Courageous Player award in 2022, and selection in the 2022 All-Australian team.
How did Lamb perform in the 2018 AFLW Grand Final?
Lamb was a key contributor to the Western Bulldogs' six-point victory over Brisbane, recording 12 disposals and eight tackles during the match.
When did Lamb move to Port Adelaide?
Lamb was traded to Port Adelaide as part of an 11-club trade prior to the start of the 2024 AFL Women's season.
What was Lamb's best statistical season with the Western Bulldogs?
Statistically, 2022 was her breakout year, where she averaged a career-high 18.7 disposals per game and tied for first in the club's best and fairest count.