Diamonds World Cup tracker: Donnell Wallam poised to tip Sophie Garbin out of squad

Sophie Garbin starred for the Diamonds in the end-of-season Tests against New Zealand and England last year but is now battling to earn a spot in the World Cup team. We reveal why.

Diamonds selectors must pick big-game player Donnell Wallam for the World Cup after her record-breaking Super Netball efforts.

Wallam has put up some stunning numbers for the Queensland Firebirds at goal shooter this season as she pushes for what is widely regarded as a single spot remaining for goalers in the Diamonds squad.

But her effort to lead the Firebirds to an upset of the fancied Melbourne Vixens on Sunday was a record-breaking masterclass that would have captured the attention of national coach Stacey Marinkovich who was watching on in person at Brisbane’s Nissan Arena.

Wallam broke Jhaniele Fowler’s mark for most points scored in a game by an individual, with her personal tally of 71 in the Firebirds’ 76-71 win just edging Fowler’s mark of 70 in 2020.

Fowler put the ball through the hoop on more occasions – converting 68-of-71 regulation attempts as well as her only super shot – while Wallam finished with 65-of-70 shooting, landing 59-of-62 single goals and six-of-eight from super shot range.

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Donnell Wallam of the Firebirds may have forced her way into the World Cup squad. Getty Images)

Much has been made of Wallam’s battle with Sophie Garbin for the final shooting spot in the Diamonds’ World Cup squad.

The task of comparing the pair is difficult for Marinkovich and her selectors, with Garbin – a holding shooter – playing at goal attack for club side Collingwood, while Wallam is lining up in the “GS” bib for the Queensland Firebirds.

Garbin, who starred for the Diamonds in the end-of-season Tests against New Zealand and England last year and won a spot in the side for the Quad Series at the start of the year, had her foot in the door ahead of Wallam at the start of the season.

But she has struggled at times this season, not just with her shot but turning over the ball in general play – something she did eight times in the Magpies’ shock win over then-competition leaders Adelaide on Saturday.

Wallam has an uncanny ability to rise to the occasion.

On Sunday, it was playing in First Nations round in front of her mother Donna and three nephews, who had made the trip over from Western Australia to watch her play.

Sophie Garbin of the Magpies has struggled at times this season. Picture: Getty Images

Wallam started the game painted in ochre and played with a passion and energy that helped deliver her team’s first back-to-back wins this season.

Her efforts have coach Bec Bulley joining a chorus of voices calling for her to be named in the World Cup squad.

“Donnell’s shooting a phenomenal amount of goals,” Bulley said of Wallam, who is running behind only Fowler in overall goal tally this season.

“Donnell is such a great target but she’s shown she can mix it up as well.

“She’s not just a holding shooter, she can shoot long-range as well.”

Bulley said Wallam, who notched the tie-breaking goal to help Australia to a series-opening win against England in her Diamonds debut after a tumultuous build-up last year, was among the most competitive athletes she had seen.

“She is one of those people that just rises to the occasion,” Bulley said.

“When the pressure is on, she just almost shines.

“Her two-point shooting tonight was phenomenal and I’m so happy for her, especially in First Nations round, in front of a home crowd, what a great performance.”

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Originally published as Diamonds World Cup tracker: Donnell Wallam poised to tip Sophie Garbin out of squad