Donnell Wallam has been let go by the Queensland Firebirds
The indigenous star central to Netball Australia losing $15m in funding is without a Super Netball club after a surprise move.
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Diamonds goal shooter Donnell Wallam has been axed by the Queensland Firebirds in a “strategic” decision by the struggling Super Netball club.
Wallam, 30, joined the Firebirds in 2022 and has scored more than 1000 goals since arriving in Queensland.
However, with her contract having expired, the Firebirds have opted not to offer the 2023 NAIDOC sportsperson of the year a new deal.
“There is no doubt Donnell is a quality player and her Diamonds selection for 2024 supports that,” Firebirds chief executive officer 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 was at the centre of the controversy that led to Australia’s richest women Gina Rinehart pulling out of her $15 million sponsorship deal with Netball Australia.
The Noongar woman felt uncomfortable in having to wear the Diamonds uniform featuring the logo of Rinehart’s Hancock Prospecting because of racist comments made in 1984 by her late father, mining magnate Lang Hancock, who said Indigenous Australians “should be sterilised to breed themselves out in coming years”.
Wallam said at the time: ‘It’s part of my responsibility as a First Nations athlete to pave the way and help make the journey for the younger generation smoother, easier, (and) culturally safer.”
The Firebirds have also dumped 30-year-old defender Remi Kamo, who joined the club last year.
“Remi has grown in her second year of SSN and been impactful on the court. The Firebirds are seeking to reset their defensive strategy over the coming seasons and this decision is a part of that reset,” Davies said.
“On behalf of the Queensland Firebirds, I’d like to sincerely thank Donnell and Remi for their contribution to the club, and for providing many memorable moments for our fans.”
Originally published as Donnell Wallam has been let go by the Queensland Firebirds
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