Donnell Wallam dominates First Nations round for Firebirds, makes huge World Cup statement

Donnell Wallam has produced another commanding performance in Super Netball’s First Nations round to edge closer to a World Cup berth.

Donnell Wallam has led the Queensland Firebirds to an upset 76-71 win over the Melbourne Vixens in Super Netball’s First Nations round.

A 20-15 second quarter put the Firebirds in front and they maintained a slender lead for the remainder of the game to keep the Vixens at bay.

Wallam was a commanding presence in the shooting circle, finishing with 65 goals including six Super Shots.

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The goal shooter sealed the win with a two-pointer from long range and celebrated with an almighty roar as she was embraced by her Firebirds teammates.

It was the most passionate celebration from Wallam since she shot the matchwinning buzzer beater goal on her Diamonds debut against England last year.

The five-goal victory was extra significant for the Firebirds, given they were playing on their home court in Brisbane and the only two Indigenous players in Super Netball starred for them.

Donnell Wallam was dominant in First Nations round. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Donnell Wallam and Emily Moore of the Firebirds celebrate victory over the Melbourne Vixens. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

In just her second game, young gun Leesa Mi Mi more than held her own against Vixens and Australian captain Liz Watson in the midcourt, showing plenty of promise for years to come.

With Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich watching on in the stands at Nissan Arena, Wallam produced another timely performance that may have done enough to book her place in Australia’s 12-player squad for the World Cup.

Wallam wanting that ball to take a supershot on the buzzer is why I think she should go to NWC. Champion players love big moments. Wallam is a CHAMPION 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻#NetballChaos#FIRvVIX

— Bernadette #VoteYes 🖤💛❤ (@thundelarralass) June 4, 2023

For me, Wallam should get that fourth shooter spot in the Diamonds for World Cup, and if I'm honest, it ain't even close. She demands the ball in pressure moments and more often than not, does the business with it. The kinda player I'd want on my team #FIRvVIX

— Gary Patrick Brown 🇳🇱🇬🇧🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ (@GPBinNL) June 4, 2023

Wallam picked a good week to play like this with Ranger Stacey in the crowd #FIRvVIX

— I'm not Cheddar, I'm just some common bitch! (@ScoutssHonour) June 4, 2023

Wallam has to be off the Cape Town. It hasn’t really been much of a question all along, but this performance has really proven that she needs to be there. Book her ticket right now #FIRvVIX

— luc (@enchantedmaybe) June 4, 2023

The Firebirds have now won two matches in a row for the first time this season and are now equal on 16 points with the Sunshine Coast Lightning and Giants in a battle for fifth place.

“We said we want to get a back to back win this year and that’s what we just did,” Wallam said post-game.

“To do that in front of our home crowd in First Nations round and to take the last shot like that, was pretty special for me. I’ve got my mum and my nephews in stands. I was just thinking about them.

“It’s really special. To see Leesa come out and perform the way she has in the last few games is just awesome.”

Wallam is on fire for the Firebirds. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Former Adelaide Thunderbird Emily Beaton said on Fox Netball’s Pivot: “Isn’t it just the perfect story for them. The team that’s got two First Nations players and they were two of the big players that stood up for them.

“It was incredible to watch. We love seeing Donnell Wallam command that shooting circle.

“She is the firepower the Firebirds needed. It’s amazing to see her stand up in this match and especially in First Nations round.

“To see the First Nations players, Donnell Wallam and Leesa Mi Mi, really command that attacking front line — it was really incredible to watch.

“Donnell Wallam knows how to play in the big moments and she absolutely nailed those winnings shots.”

Super Netball Round 12 results

Collingwood Magpies 53 def Adelaide Thunderbirds 50

West Coast Fever 69 def Sunshine Coast Lightning 65

NSW Swifts 68 def Giants 63

Queensland Firebirds 76 def Melbourne Vixens 71