The 20-year-old, who arrived at the Swans via pick 21 in the 2010 National Draft, was one of the biggest improvers throughout the Swans pre-season and has consistently been among the Swans reserves best players this year.
Hailing from Yarram in south-east Victoria, Lamb has edged closer to selection each week this season and travelled to Wellington with the team for last week’s Anzac Day clash.
While he didn’t make the cut in New Zealand, coach John Longmire informed the young midfielder on Thursday that he’d be playing his first AFL game this weekend against the Lions.
“It’s amazing and I still can’t believe it at the moment,” Lamb told SwansTV.
“It’s a dream come true and I’m just really looking forward to Sunday.
“I sort of had an indication yesterday because (Longmire) asked me whether I was ready to play seniors and was smirking (at me).
“This morning I came in and was just lurking around his office just waiting for him to grab me and luckily he grabbed me and told me I was in, so I was over the moon.”
Now in his third year at the Swans, Lamb credits a recent trip to Burma, alongside reserves coach Jared Crouch and fellow young Swan Alex Brown, as a turning point for him ahead of this year’s pre-season training campaign.
“I think the trip to Burma … really helped me because some of the things I saw over there were unbelievable and it really put a perspective on things and really motivated me in the pre-season to get fit,” he said.
“When I got back I just ran and ran and ran.
“I guess the previous couple of pre-seasons I hadn’t really done much so my aim was to not miss any sessions, which I think I did, and I was happy enough to just get through pre-season without any injuries, so I started the season in pretty good form.”
Focusing on Sunday’s match, Lamb said he expected a dramatic increase in intensity to what he has experienced in the NEAFL, but said he is eagerly awaiting the new challenge.
“I’m expecting a hard, physical game and I guess the tempo will go up a lot from the reserves level, which I’m looking forward to,” he said.
“I’m just looking forward to enjoying my game and being out there with the boys and running out on the SCG.”
Lamb predicted that a number of family and friends would make the trip up to Sydney from Yarram to witness his first game for the Swans.
“I just got off the phone to my mum - and my sisters and brothers - and she’s over the moon,” Lamb said.
“She’ll fly up Saturday morning and my brothers and sisters will definitely be up here and hopefully a few friends can make it as well.”
