The inaugural Lions AFLW player gave birth to her first child on Sunday and signed a new contract for the 2022 AFLW season in the same week.
Sharni and her husband Andrew welcomed their baby girl, Billie, early on Sunday morning in what Webb described as a “fast and furious” labour - fitting really for an athlete who plays in much the same way, like mother like daughter.
The new deal for the 2022 season was offered despite Sharni not having played a game in 2021, such is her value to the football club as both a core player and leader for the group.
Sharni’s 2021 season was instead spent travelling with the team and providing mentorship and support to the younger athletes in the group, all whilst heavily pregnant.
Professional sportswomen like Sharni continue to pave the way for female athletes that choose motherhood as well as a career in sport.
It’s a pretty inspiring story, with her aim to be back in pre-season training with the squad in November ready for season 2022 kick-off in December, if all goes to plan.
Lions Head of Women’s Football Bree Brock congratulated Sharni and Andrew on bringing their new little lion cub into the world.
“It’s so exciting for Sharni and her family to become parents.
“We’re a family-focussed Club, we always have kids running around at training as we all juggle work and parenthood, so we’re looking forward to being on baby duty.”
When speaking about Sharni’s return-to-play, Brock said that her health and wellbeing would be the Club’s primary focus.
“We’ve been working with a team of people to get the best support network around her and will be guided by Sharni on how hard she wants push in her progress to return-to-play, there’s no pressure there.
“Our main focus is Sharni’s long term health and whilst we’re keen for her to play, her recovery and transition into parenthood at this time are the most important things.
“We definitely want to create an environment where our players feel comfortable to make the choice to have children and have the security of knowing they can continue playing sport at the highest level - it doesn’t have to be one or the other.”
