The goal shooting sensation has played a huge role in NSW's two wins this season, orchestrating a stirring comeback against the Queensland Firebirds in round one from the bench before playing a similar role in last weekend's one-point win over the Giants.

She's managed 35 goals from 37 attempts and proven a commanding presence in the attacking circle, yet the Fever were happy for Garbin to escape their clutches 12 months ago to pursue a Super Netball career elsewhere.

They had their eye on someone else – namely Jamaican Jhaniele Fowler who West Coast pried from New Zealand's Southern Steel and who has played a substantial role in helping the Perth outfit to the top of the table with a league-high 167 goals.

The Swifts were quick to pounce when Garbin became available. She produced a record 703 goals for the West Coast Sting in the Australian Netball League last season while a training partner with the Fever and has recently been earmarked as potentially the Diamonds' next great goal shooter.

And Garbin had no hesitation moving across the country when the opportunity came.

"I was pretty much willing to go anywhere to play at Suncorp level," Garbin said.

"It was a bit surreal, to be honest. I didn't want to tell anyone until it was all official because I was so worried they were going to come back and say, 'Oh no, we've got someone else'.

"I signed and I sent off my contract and I didn't get a reply for 24 hours and it was the worst 24 hours of my life because I was thinking they've gotten someone else, they don't want me, but it was good, it was very good news."

Garbin's connection with the NSW club came through former Western Australian Institute of Sport coach Michelle Wilkins, who knows Swifts assistant Anita Keelan. Garbin will catch up with Wilkins while she's in Perth, but once her side takes the court on Sunday all her focus will be on notching a win in front of the Swifts' newest fans, Garbin's family and friends.

Swifts coach Briony Akle has started Sam Wallace at goal shooter in all three matches so far this season and will likely do the same again on Sunday. But Akle has frequently turned to her bench this year and, if Garbin gets the tap on the shoulder again, she'll be ready.

"I've played the girls before; I've trained against them so there's not that much of a surprise really for me in the defensive end," Garbin said.

"I can't be too upset they didn't get me because they've done well with Jhaniele.

"I don't think it's surprised too much [West Coast's strong start]. They were like us last year, they were pretty close to everyone. There were only a few games they missed out, and they lost a few by five points or less."

Garbin has taken up a part-time job at the Netball Centre as one of the venue staff and admits she is still shocked when people approach her asking for a photograph.

She has also been forced to live out of home for the first time since leaving Perth, which has proven another serious adjustment.

"I have to do my own washing," Garbin said. "If I was in Perth I'd be living at home and having lots of time with my mum. My mum does a lot of things for me. You could say we're a little bit spoilt in my household.

"Sydney's definitely a lot busier, a lot more expensive. On the flipside there's so much more to do, and it's more exciting."