Diamond Donnell Wallam is without a Super Netball club for 2025 after confirmation the Queensland Firebirds won’t be offering the star shooter a new deal.
In a move that’s set to shake up the off-season, Wallam has become the third player let go by the Firebirds after their horror 2024 campaign – joining Ali Miller and Remi Kamo on the sidelines.
The 193cm Australian representative had been the Firebirds’ stand out in recent seasons, scoring more than 1000 goals after arriving as maternity replacement for then-pregnant shooter Romelda Aiken.
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The former West Aussie basketballer then stayed on with the club as fellow goaler Gretel Bueta stepped away for her baby.
Despite all the movement to the Firebirds attack end, Wallam remained the focal point and earnt her Australian Diamonds call up, before she debuted in Newcastle in 2022.
Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich refused to rule the star out of future Australian plans, regardless of her Super Netball situation.
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“Donnell’s presence on court epitomises the Suncorp Super Netball competition with her flair and energy. She’s not a cookie cutter shooter, she provides an entertainment element to her game which fans have gravitated towards,” she said.
“Donnell made her Suncorp Super Netball debut just three seasons ago in 2022. 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.
“We have made a commitment to Donnell, like we do with all our Diamonds, to provide the support and resources to ensure she reaches her potential and maximises selection opportunities.”
It’s not the first time a Diamonds’ shooter has found themselves without a Super Netball club, after Caitlin Bassett’s exit from the Giants back in 2020.
Bassett went on to play in New Zealand for the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic and still represent Australia in 2021.
In a statement, the Firebirds said the decision not to offer Wallam a new deal was down to “strategy”.
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“There is no doubt Donnell is a quality player and her Diamonds selection for 2024 supports that,” Netball Queensland and Queensland Firebirds CEO Kate Davies said.
“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.”
Wallam has endured a controversial career so far after dominating the West Australian State League for a number of years before getting her chance in England and Super Netball.
The proud Noongar woman found herself at the centre of the Gina Rinehart sponsorship controversy but went on to debut for Australia in stunning scenes against England just days later.
Clubs have until the start of next month to re-sign their players.
From August 5, the contract window for free agents, including non Super Netball players, will open through to August 23.
Source Agencies
