By JUSTIN CHADWICK
Super Netball has been sent into a spin after the struggling Queensland Firebirds made the shock decision to axe star shooter and 2023 NAIDOC Sportsperson of the Year, Donnell Wallam.
Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich was among those from the netball world to throw their support behind Wallam after the Firebirds revealed they would not offer her a contract for 2025.
Wallam is a star of the competition, with her 556 goals this season ranking second only to West Coast Fever powerhouse Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard.
The 30-year-old Wallam, a Noongar woman, has scored 1744 Super Netball goals since making her Firebirds debut in 2022.
Her hot form resulted in a Diamonds call-up later that year, and Marinkovich believes Wallam has yet to reach her potential.
Donnell Wallam in action against South Africa last year. (AAP)
“Donnell’s presence on court epitomises the Suncorp Super Netball competition with her flair and energy,” Marinkovich said in a statement.
“She’s not a cookie-cutter shooter, she provides an entertainment element to her game which fans have gravitated towards.
“I don’t believe she has reached her ceiling and she’s continued to show incredible variation and growth in her game this year.
“She’s had a strong Suncorp Super Netball season – she’s ranked second in the competition for goals scored and offensive rebounds.
“We can’t wait to see what excitement and flair Donnell can bring the Origin Australian Diamonds 2024-25 squad.”
The Firebirds, who also announced they have cut Remi Kamo, said they had axed Wallam for tactical reasons.
“There is no doubt Donnell is a quality player and her Diamonds selection for 2024 supports that,” Firebirds chief executive Kate Davies said in a statement.
“This is simply a recruitment decision based on game style and strategy into the future and I know Donnell will continue to shine wherever her future lies.”.
Touching scenes during tonight’s cultural performance before Donnell Wallam and Leesa Mimi exchanged team gifts.
Wallam starred for the Queensland Firebirds against the West Coast Fever in Brisbane last month. (AAP)
The Firebirds (4-10) only narrowly avoided the wooden spoon this season, with coach Bec Bulley sacked late in the campaign following reports of a player mutiny.
Wallam’s breakout 2022 debut season, saw her make an unforgettable match-winning debut for the Australian Diamonds against England.
In the lead-up to her international debut, Wallam hit the headlines when she expressed her discomfort at wearing the Hancock Prospecting sponsor name on the team’s uniform.
Wallam expressed her concerns about the company’s record on Indigenous issues to her Diamonds teammates, with the resulting media storm eventually resulting in Gina Hancock withdrawing the $15m funding.
AAP
